SUMMARY:

In this episode, bestselling author Barbara Conrey discusses her inspiring journey to publication, her creative process, and the themes behind her emotionally powerful novels, including A Fine Layer of Dust. The conversation also features fun rapid-fire questions, offering a personal glimpse into her life and passions.

Barbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye, her debut novel published on August 4, 2020, by Red Adept Publishing. Her sophomore novel, My Secret to Keep, was released on August 23, 2022 and her third, A Fine Layer of Dust, debuted in October 2025.

An active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Women’s National Book Association, and the Author Talk Network, Barbara also moderates the online book club for the Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio

A Fine Layer of Dust

Journey to Publication

Work as a Book Club Host for Bookish Road Trip

Involvement with Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Bonus Rapid-Fire Questions

Links:

https://www.barbaraconreyauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.conrey

Next Episode: We are taking off a month for the holidays and will see you mid-January

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Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Every novel needs fuel to keep it moving forward, and that fuel is conflict and tension. In this episode, we break down the difference between scene-level tension and story-level conflict—and show how they work together to keep readers hooked. From internal struggles to epic battles, we’ll explore techniques that create momentum and make your story impossible to put down. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for any writer looking to craft gripping fiction.

SHOW NOTES:

What Is Tension? Conflict?

How Tension and Conflict Work Together

Writing Tips

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

The Conflict Thesaurus & The Emotion Thesaurus, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

“Courting Conflict: The Agent of Change,” Wired for Story, Lisa Cron

“Dude with a Problem: Surviving the Ultimate Test,” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

*analysis of conflict w/in Stephen King’s Misery

G.M.C.: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, Debra Dixon

The Compass of Character, David Corbett

DO NOW: Look at your current project—is each scene tense? Is the conflict clear and escalating? Check out our FREE Download to see a sample of HOW to use the Thesaurus Series to Create Tension at the scene level and Conflict at the plot level.

Next Episode: An Interview with USA Today Bestselling author Barbara Conrey

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Ready to pitch your book? Pitch events can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also one of the best opportunities for writers to connect with literary agents. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 10-minute pitch: what it is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of those precious few minutes.

You’ll learn how to research agents before you pitch, craft a clear and compelling hook, and present yourself with confidence. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, tips for turning your pitch into a conversation, and how to use feedback—even a rejection—to your advantage.

Whether you’re attending your first conference or polishing your pitch for a big event, this episode will help you walk in prepared, stay calm, and maximize your chances of making the right connection with an agent.

SHOW NOTES:

What is a 10-Minute Pitch Event?

Our Experience

How to Prepare

Using the pitch to your advantage

Take-aways

SOURCES & LINKS

Related ATB Podcasts Episodes:

“Query Basics: How to Attract the Attention of the RIGHT Agents and Publishers,” Ep 19

“Writing the Dreaded Book Jacket Summary and Pitch,” Ep 42

Hooked from Page One: Nailing Your Novel’s Beginning, Episode 57

“Pitch it To Me!” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum

DO NOW: Script your pitch. Practice saying the words. Edit out what seems unnatural to say. Once your script is polished, practice saying it in front of a mirror until you’ve memorized it. Next, practice in front of people: family members, friends, bookish community.

Next Episode: Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Joanna Monahan lives in North Carolina with her husband, children, and two distracting cats.

Before she began writing, Joanna worked a variety of jobs, including marketing, professional

organizing, and setting up book fairs. She enjoys theater, baseball, and bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for reading.

You can find her at joannamonahan.com talking about books, writing, and all things GenX or on

Instagram where she regularly torments her characters by participating in fiction writing

Challenges.

Joanna is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the North Carolina

Writers’ Network and the Author’s Guild.

About the Book: SOMETHING BETTER is a coming-of-(middle-) age tale of love, family, and

the dangers of attending your high school reunion. It was published in June 2023 by Blue Ink

Press.

SHOW NOTES:

Something Better

• Synopis
• Inspiration
• Gen Xer & Musical references
• “Every villain is the hero of their own story” & complex protagonist

Welcome to Blooms, release date April 2026

• Synopsis
• Inspiration
• Possible series

Writing and things learned the hard way

• Writing process & schedule
• Personal branding
• Community & the WFWA
• Book cover creation
• Current WIP

Trivia

• The title SOMETHING BETTER comes from the song “Start a War” by The National. The first lines are: “We expected something, something better than before. We expected something more.”
• Joanna’s favorite authors are Beverly Cleary and Jan Karon. Her love of the Mitford series was part of the reason her family chose to relocate to North Carolina from Colorado in 2015.

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.joannamonahan.com/

Instagram: @joannamonahanauthor

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

The first page of a novel can make or break a reader’s attention. In this episode, we explore what goes into crafting an irresistible opening that hooks your audience from the very first line. From setting the tone and establishing stakes to introducing compelling characters and planting questions that beg to be answered, we’ll break down the techniques successful authors use to keep readers turning the page. We’ll also share examples of unforgettable openings, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies you can use to strengthen your own writing. Whether you’re starting your first novel or polishing your next, this episode will help you create an opening that truly captivates.

Why Openings Matter

Key Elements of a Strong Opening

Techniques That Work

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Practical Strategies for Writers

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

“100 Best First Lines from Novels,” American Book Review, 2006

DO NOW: Read through some of the best first sentences. Notice what you like about them, what is similar among them, what draws you in.

Write several versions of your own for one work to see which captures the characteristics for a strong opening.

Next Episode: An interview with Joanna Monahan, author of Something Better

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike.

Show Notes:

Number of films made from novels

Upward trend of series adaptations

Loose vs. tight adaptation

What characteristics of a novel make for a good adaptation?

OUR PICKS

SOURCES & LINKS

How to Write a Book Like a Movie, Richard M. Craft

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need, Jessica Brody

Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told, Blake Snyder

DO NOW:

Choose a companion novel and film. Study HOW (using the characteristics mentioned above) the adaptation brings the written work to life.

Next Episode: Hooked From Page One, the importance of strong openings

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE. Thank you

Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology. Her stories explore healing, family secrets, love, and second chances, set along the New Jersey and Maryland coast. When not writing, she enjoys reading, birdwatching, and beachcombing. She’s the author of Soul Dancing.

SHOW NOTES:

• Soul Dancing themes

• Supernatural story elements

• Awards

• Influence of theater background

• Research

• Common threads throughout Gail’s work

• Writing process

• Advice for writers

SOURCES & LINKS

https://gailpriest.com/

Next Episode: From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable?

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products. We also discuss strategies for building an engaged audience and turning their passion for writing into a sustainable income.

SHOW NOTES:

Substack is an online platform that allows writers and creators to host subscription-based email newsletters. Think of it as a digital publishing house that puts your content directly into your readers’ inboxes, creating a more intimate connection than a typical blog or social media post.

Founded in 2017, Substack gained popularity because of its simplicity and the direct monetization it provides. Instead of relying on ad revenue or social media algorithms, you can charge subscribers. Whether that’s a small monthly fee or a one-time payment, keep a much larger share of the revenue.

It’s used by journalists, novelists, niche bloggers, and increasingly, book reviewers who want to cultivate a dedicated community around their work.

1. Types of Posts You Can Create
2. Advantages of Substack vs. Traditional Blogging
3. How to Get Started
4. Tips for Success

SOURCES & LINKS

Hope’s Substack

Donna’s Substack

DO NOW:

Sign up for Substack. Observe what other content creators are doing. Brainstorm ideas for your own substack and create goals. Download our FREE How to SUBSTACK to get you started today!

Next Episode: An Interview w/ Gail Priest author of the award-winning Soul Dancing

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you