In this engaging episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman welcomes author Ann Swindell to discuss her latest novel, Love in the Castle Library, the second book in her Christmas series. Anne shares the joys of transitioning from non-fiction to fiction, creating the imaginary kingdom of Leathersby, and blending this fictional world with the real-life charm of Oxford, England. They delve into the challenges of writing dual perspectives and developing rich, believable characters. Anne also talks about her process and gives hints about the upcoming third book in the series. Topics include character development, integrating real-world inspiration into fiction, and tips for writing a compelling series.

Connect with Ann Swindell

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Some people are such fun to have a conversation with, and today's Book Talk guest is one of those. Amanda Wen is the author of multiple books, and today we're talking about her latest novel, Echoes of a Silent Song. What I love is that she brings elements of her day job -- working as an accompanist for school choirs to this book. Yet she's also diving into a slight mystery with mental health aspects as she explores the role of music in our lives.

Like many of my guests, Amanda has always been a writer, but she would tell herself to be patient and not give up. It's great advice for all of us on this writing journey. We all have a role to play, and God will use us. As you read Echoes of a Silent Song, that's one aspect you hope she'll take with you. Find a few minutes and dive into this episode as we talk books, writing, and so much more.

Connect with Amanda Wen

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, I get to interview my friend, author Kate Angelo, about her latest book, Girl Lost. Together, we delve into the book's innovative use of cutting-edge technology, such as 3D-printed organs, and its deep ethical issues. Kate shares her journey from a tech-loving nerd to an inspired writer, discussing her background, her engagement with scientific innovation, and her ethical considerations influenced by personal experiences and a strong Christian perspective.

We also explore the themes of second-chance romance and the concept of 'found family' within the novel. Throughout the discussion, Kate reflects on her rapid ascent in the literary world, attributing her success to divine guidance and hard work. She also gives insights into her writing process and approach to blending structured plotting with character-driven storytelling. Listeners learn about Kate's unique perspective on adolescent love, her deliberate decision-making in her writing career, and her upcoming events and book-related content available on her website.

Connect with Kate Angelo

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Robin Pearson is one busy woman, as you'll quickly learn in today's episode of Book Talk. An author who writes in North Carolina, she incorporates her southern roots into her stories. In our conversation, we got to talk about our shared love of bookstores and dream of owning one... for her that led to her latest novel, The Stories We Carry, which focuses on a woman working in a bookstore and confronting more than the stories on her shelves. There are layers inspired by the Count of Monte Cristo and the idea of can there be righteous Vengeance. Robin loves to think of her stories as syrup — they develop slowly and are filling.

There's so much life in this interview. I can't wait for you to meet Robin and learn more about her books and writing.

Connect with Robin W. Pearson

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk, I interview Ash Clifton, a debut author from Gainesville, Florida, about his intense thriller, Twice The Trouble. I like to compare this novel to works by Michael Cane, Tom Clancy, and Daniel Silva. Ash shares his journey of becoming a writer, inspired by his father's role as Chief of Police and Ash's exposure to former football players on his college team. He discusses the creation of his complex protagonist, a former cop and football player. Ash also talks about the challenges he faced, including cutting characters and scenes based on his agent's recommendations, and how he managed to keep the story engaging.

He emphasizes the importance of a hero being both good at heart and having a sense of humor. Additional topics include the writing process, dealing with self-doubt, and his aspirations for a movie adaptation of the book.

Connect with Ash Clifton

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In today's episode of Book Talk, I have the pleasure of bringing my friend Kelly Goshorn onto the show to talk about her latest novel The Undercover Heiress of Brockton. I loved writing in a novella collection with Kelly a couple years ago, so I loved getting the chance to read this full-length novel. It's set in the very real events that happened when a shoe factory in Brockton exploded and the ensuing fire devastated the plant in mere minutes. I was fascinated to talk with Kelly about how she created her story around these very real, historical happenings.

Lest you think this book is all heaviness, the heroine is an heiress who goes undercover as a man so she can report on the day's important events. That leads to all kinds of madcap events and happenings. Kelly's a pantser, so the way these true events and a couple characters wove together into this moving story is fascinating to me. I know you'll enjoy meeting Kelly and learning more about her books and her writing process.

Connect with Kelly Goshorn

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Y'all, there are rare moments when I read a book and think, "I wish I'd written this one." Connie Mann's book that comes out in the spring is one of those (spoiler alert: I endorsed it!). But her current book, The Liar's Treasure is soooo good. That's why when I was planning this season of Book Talk I had to invite her to be a guest. This current series makes me think of Ally Carter books all grown up, or Oceans 8, or something else equally fun yet filled with so much fun.

I really enjoy them (as you'll notice as I gush--I do book gush from time to time and this is such a time.). In this episode, Connie discusses having a group cast. Bringing together so many elements that she loves in one novel and other elements that are just plain fun. She also talks about all the jobs in and around publishing and writing that she took on her way to being a novelist. She'd tell aspiring writers to be more confident and chase that dream. I know you're going to enjoy this chat.

Connect with Connie Mann

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

I have known Kim Duffy (also writing as Kimberly Duffy) for several years, and it was past time to have her on as a guest. She is someone I love brainstorming with and spending time with because she's wicked smart and has this wry sense of humor I enjoy. She also loves to travel and homeschools her kids, so there are so many points of intersection even as we are so different.

While I love her historical women's fiction novels, I had her on Book Talk to share about her latest novel, The Meet-Cute Manuscript, a book she wrote when her family was in a point of crisis. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to write again, and her agent gave her beautiful advice: write something entirely different. The Meet Cute Manuscript is the result. I loved this contemporary rom-com, which has depth but is also light and a breath of fresh air. I think we've all had times where we wonder where God is and if a dream has died. There is such beauty in finding His hand in a pivot.

I really hope you enjoy meeting Kim and learning more about all of her books.

Connect with Kim Duffy

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