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  • Inside the Charleston Literary Festival with Executive Director Sarah Moriarty

    Inside the Charleston Literary Festival with Executive Director Sarah Moriarty
    2026/09/15
    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer sits down with Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of the Charleston Literary Festival. Sarah and Jennifer talk about the festival’s evolution from its roots at Charleston Farmhouse in England, the gathering place of the Bloomsbury Group, to the thriving literary celebration it has become in Charleston, South Carolina.Sarah takes us behind the scenes of curating a world-class literary festival, shares why Charleston has become such an exciting destination for readers and writers, and previews this year’s 10th festival, featuring more than 50 events across ten days.They also talk about the magic of experiencing books and authors in person, Charleston’s independent bookstore boom, opportunities for emerging and young writers, and why literary festivals are a place for curious minds. In This EpisodeFrom Sussex to South Carolina: The history of the Charleston Literary Festival The role of Executive DirectorCurating world-class literary programming Charleston as a literary city Planning your festival visit Highlights of the 2026 Festival Nurturing emerging and young writers Building community through a shared love of booksMeet Sarah Moriarty Sarah Moriarty is a long-time literature enthusiast, branding specialist, and marketing creative. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Sarah developed a love of literature that took her from Dublin’s Trinity College to Freie Universität Berlin, where she wrote her master’s thesis on Samuel Beckett, best known for his play Waiting for Godot. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin, where she earned a BA in Literature, and Freie Universität Berlin, where she received an MA in the same field. Before her move from Berlin to Charleston in October 2021, she was the Global Director of Brand at Blinkist, a technology company in the audiobook publishing industry. In 2021, when her husband, Mena Mark Hanna, accepted the position as general director of Spoleto Festival USA, Moriarty again leaned on her literary knowledge to change course, becoming director of marketing for Charleston Literary Festival. In 2023, she was appointed executive director. Under her leadership, the festival has become one of the “Top Lit Fests” in the world according to Travel + Leisure magazine.When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and reading literary fiction. She lives in downtown Charleston, S.C. with her husband and their two children.Connect with Charleston Literary Festival charlestonliteraryfestival.com Follow on Instagram @charlestonlitfestFollow on FacebookBooks & Authors MentionedKin by Tayari Jones The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Heart the Lover by Lily King Flashlight by Susan Choi Buckeye by Patrick Ryan Angel Down by Daniel Kraus Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld Partita by Barbara Kingsolver Lázár by Nelio Biedermann This Is Happiness by Niall Williams O Now! by Niall Williams Jacaranda by Gaël Faye Strangers by Belle Burden Small Town Girls by Jayne Anne Phillips Joyride by Susan Orlean The Odyssey translated by Daniel Mendelsohn The Family Man by James Lasdun Jean Hanff Korelitz Salman Rushdie The Flower Bearers by Rachel Eliza Griffiths Tiger’s Mouth by Lucy TanVirginia Woolf STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer
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    38 分
  • Building Community Through Books with Beth Seufer Buss of Bookmarks

    Building Community Through Books with Beth Seufer Buss of Bookmarks
    2026/09/01
    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by Beth Seufer Buss, Program Director of Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. More than a bookstore, Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit with a mission to build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books. Beth shares the unique story of Bookmarks—from its beginnings as a volunteer-run book festival to becoming North Carolina’s first nonprofit bookstore—and how its year-round events, school programs, and community outreach bring readers together and help foster a love of books in the next generation. Jennifer and Beth also go behind the scenes of the annual Festival of Books & Authors. Beth shares what goes into planning the festival, highlights from this year’s lineup of more than 50 authors, and her best tips for first-time attendees heading to downtown Winston-Salem on September 26, 2026. Whether you’re a longtime Bookmarks supporter or discovering it for the first time, this conversation is a celebration of the connection, curiosity, and sense of belonging that can grow when a community gathers around books. In This EpisodeThe story behind Bookmarks and the Festival of Books & Authors Beth’s journey from librarian and Bookmarks volunteer to Program Director Building connection and community through books Helping young readers discover the joy of reading What goes into planning a 50+ author book festival A preview of the 2026 Festival of Books & Authors Creating bookish fun for readers of all ages Beth’s tips for first-time Festival attendeesBookmarks' year-round events and community programming Ways to support Bookmarks from afar Meet Beth Seufer BussBeth Seufer Buss is Program Director at Bookmarks, where she oversees the nonprofit's bookstore, year-round author events, and Festival of Books & Authors, helping build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books.Connect with Beth Instagram: @firststreetbethreadsConnect with Bookmarks Website: bookmarksnc.orgFestival of Books & Authors: bookmarksncfestival.orgInstagram: @bookmarksncFacebook: facebook.com/BookmarksNCTikTok: @bookmarksnc Donate to Bookmarks: bookmarksnc.org/donate Books & Authors Mentioned in this Episode: Trixie Belden series by Julie Campbell Judy Bolton series by Margaret SuttonStation Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Stacey AbramsInvestiGators by John Patrick GreenAmari and the Night Brothers by B B AlstonAlan Gratz Breakout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola YoonA Princess is a Princess by Anika Noni RosePunished for Dreaming by Dr. Bettina L Love Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea by Emily Wilson Jax Freeman and the Graveyard Forest by Kwame MbaliaJohn GreenAngie ThomasHollow Bones by Jodi PicoultThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansSarah Addison AllenKristy Woodson HarveyNic Stone STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer
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    36 分
  • Writing Older Characters & Stories of Second Chances with Anna Johnston

    Writing Older Characters & Stories of Second Chances with Anna Johnston
    2026/08/25

    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by author Anna Johnston to discuss her new novel, When Lemons Give You Life, a charming and heartwarming story that will lift your spirits, remind you to appreciate the time you have, and leave you believing in the power of forgiveness and second chances.

    Anna and Jennifer talk about writing older characters whose lives are still filled with possibility, the connection between food and memory, LGBTQ+ representation in aged care, and how Anna’s own experience working with older adults has shaped both of her novels.

    This is a conversation filled with warmth and hope that will leave you thinking differently about aging. It’s also a beautiful reminder to appreciate the people we love while we still have time with them, to lead with kindness, and remain open to the second chances life can bring.

    In This Episode

    • The connection between food & memory
    • The LGBTQ+ experience in aging & aged care
    • Balancing humor with heavier themes
    • Pivoting from medical school to aged care
    • The importance of writing older characters
    • How Anna’s grandfather inspired her debut
    • Navigating imposter syndrome while writing book two

    Meet Anna Johnston
    Anna Johnston lives by the beach in Melbourne with her husband and daughters. She left medical school to develop an award-winning cooking program for older widowed men before following her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home, where she worked as the activities coordinator. She is the author of the international bestseller The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.

    Connect with Anna
    www.annajohnstonauthor.com
    Instagram @annajohnstonauthor

    Books
    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston
    • The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston



    STAY CONNECTED

    The Literary Lounge

    Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

    Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

    • The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
    • The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
    • Recommended reads
    • Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

    Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

    Jennifer Cash

    Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

    Instagram: @readwithjennifer

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    31 分
  • Writing Murder with Heart & Humor with Nina Simon

    Writing Murder with Heart & Humor with Nina Simon
    2026/08/18

    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by bestselling author Nina Simon to talk about her new novel, My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, a warmhearted whodunnit about two sisters whose annual trip takes them rafting through the Grand Canyon—with a murderer in their midst.

    Nina and Jennifer discuss writing complicated family relationships, finding inspiration in the natural world, and balancing murder with plenty of heart and humor. Nina also shares how she builds and plots a mystery and opens up about her unexpected path to publishing—from writing a novel simply to make her mother smile to becoming a bestselling author with her debut, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, a Reese’s Book Club pick.

    This episode is for mystery lovers and is full of writing advice and craft techniques for crafting a page-turning whodunnit that keeps readers guessing.

    In This Episode

    • Why Nina is drawn to writing strong women, wild places, and dead bodies
    • Writing the love, tension, and complexity within family relationships
    • The Grand Canyon: an ideal setting for murder
    • Plotting whodunnits that keep readers guessing
    • Writing without expectations
    • Navigating the publishing journey

    Meet Nina Simon
    Nina Simon writes crime fiction about strong women. She is the New York Times-bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night. This big-hearted whodunnit was a Reese's Book Club pick, an Anthony Award winner, and a "best of 2023" selection for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CrimeReads, and Library Journal. Her second whodunit, My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, is out on August 18, 2026 from William Morrow Books.

    Before turning to fiction, Nina wore many hats: NASA engineer, slam poet, game designer, museum director, and nonprofit CEO. Her work on community participation in museums, libraries, parks, and theaters has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and the TEDx stage. Nina lives off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoys weird adventures in wild places.

    Connect with Nina

    Website

    Instagram: @ninaksimon

    Books & Authors Mentioned

    • My Sister Is Going to Kill Me by Nina Simon
    • Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
    • Sue Grafton
    • Janet Evanovich
    • Faye Kellerman


    STAY CONNECTED

    The Literary Lounge

    Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

    Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

    • The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
    • The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
    • Recommended reads
    • Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

    Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

    Jennifer Cash

    Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

    Instagram: @readwithjennifer

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    42 分
  • The Stories We Carry Forward with Sharon Kurtzman

    The Stories We Carry Forward with Sharon Kurtzman
    2026/08/11

    What happens to our family stories if no one carries them forward?

    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Sharon Kurtzman to discuss her debut novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, a work of historical fiction inspired by the experiences of her mother, aunt, and grandmother after surviving the Holocaust.

    Jennifer and Sharon talk about preserving family stories before they’re lost, the lesser-known realities Jewish survivors faced after World War II, and how baking became a symbol of memory, resilience, and hope within the novel. Sharon also shares her remarkable 20-year journey to publication and why she believes the unpublished manuscripts that came before The Lost Baker of Vienna were all leading her to the story she was ultimately meant to tell.

    In This Episode

    • The true story that inspired The Lost Baker of Vienna
    • Honoring the past through storytelling
    • The aftermath of war and a lesser-known history
    • Why preserving family stories matters
    • Baking as a connection to memory and heritage
    • Sharon's remarkable 20-year journey to publication


    Meet Sharon Kurtzman

    Sharon Kurtzman’s debut historical novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, was published in August 2025 by Pamela Dorman Books/Viking and was inspired by the World War II and postwar experiences of her family. Her novel was a Book of the Month Add-on pick for August 2025, and it will be published in six languages and in over a dozen countries. Prior to becoming an author, Sharon has been an audience research analyst, television ad salesperson, publicist, food writer, the official escort to Danger Mouse at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a judge at a Chicken Soup Cook-off. Sharon earned her MFA in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. She lives in North Carolina with her husband; they have two adult children.

    Connect with Sharon

    sharonkurtzman.com

    Instagram @sharonkurtzman

    Facebook

    Substack

    Purchase a copy of The Lost Baker of Vienna



    STAY CONNECTED

    The Literary Lounge

    Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

    Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

    • The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
    • The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
    • Recommended reads
    • Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

    Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

    Jennifer Cash

    Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

    Instagram: @readwithjennifer

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    51 分
  • The Story Behind The Literary Lounge

    The Story Behind The Literary Lounge
    2026/08/04

    One month into The Literary Lounge, host Jennifer Cash opens up to share the story behind the podcast. From a childhood shaped by reading to the winding road that led her to becoming a writer, she reflects on the books, people, and experiences that shaped her life. It’s an honest and vulnerable conversation about finding purpose, rediscovering old dreams, and how a life surrounded by books ultimately led to The Literary Lounge.


    In This Episode

    • Jennifer’s earliest memories of becoming a reader
    • The books that shaped her early childhood
    • How reading became both an escape and a source of comfort during a difficult season
    • The teacher who made her question her future
    • Writing her first manuscript after a challenging experience abroad
    • Why she left a traditional career to pursue writing
    • How books led her to a literary life
    • The inspiration behind The Literary Lounge
    • Why she hopes The Literary Lounge becomes a place for readers and writers to gather through a shared love of story

    Meet Jennifer Cash

    Jennifer Cash is the creator and host of The Literary Lounge, a podcast and Substack where readers and writers gather for thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing, and living a creative life. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Jennifer is passionate about building literary community while championing independent bookstores and emerging voices. Through her work, she explores the stories behind the stories, connecting readers with authors, booksellers, publishing professionals, and literary destinations. She is also the creator of the book-focused platform @ReadwithJennifer, where she shares book recommendations, bookstore discoveries, and a love of literary travel. Jennifer lives in North Carolina.

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

    Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

    Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler

    Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

    Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin


    STAY CONNECTED

    The Literary Lounge

    Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

    Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

    • The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
    • The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
    • Recommended reads
    • Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

    Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

    Jennifer Cash

    Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

    Instagram: @readwithjennifer

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    25 分
  • Finding Where You Belong with Joanna Monahan

    Finding Where You Belong with Joanna Monahan
    2026/07/28

    What does it mean to find where you belong?

    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Joanna Monahan to discuss her second novel, Welcome to Blooms, a warm, feel-good story about siblings Daisy and Bud, who must learn to work together to save their family's flower shop. Think of it as a Hallmark movie in book form!

    Jennifer and Joanna discuss the inspiration behind the novel and explore themes of family expectations and belonging. Joanna also shares her own path to becoming a published author, from querying agents to finding the right home for her work with an independent press. She reflects on what she’s learned from publishing two novels, why working with a small publisher has been the right fit for her, and the importance of finding the communities that help sustain a creative life.


    In This Episode

    • Exploring themes of family, identity & belonging
    • Joanna’s path from querying to indie publishing
    • Finding the right publishing path for you
    • The importance of independent bookstores
    • Finding your writing & literary community
    • How Joanna’s writing process has evolved
    • Navigating the challenges of writing a second book
    • How book coaches can support the writing process
    • The unexpected realities of becoming a published author


    Meet Joanna Monahan

    Joanna Monahan is the author of the award-winning Something Better.
    Her newest novel, Welcome to Blooms, was published in April 2026 by
    Blue Ink Press.

    Joanna writes contemporary Women's Fiction that is clean, cozy, and
    full of humor and heart. She lives in North Carolina with her husband,
    their two children, and two distracting cats. She is a member of The
    Authors Guild, North Carolina Writers' Network, and the Women's
    Fiction Writers Association.

    When she isn’t writing, Joanna 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 books.


    Connect with Joanna

    www.joannamonahan.com

    Instagram @joannamonahanauthor

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Goodreads

    Purchase a copy of Welcome to Blooms

    Purchase a copy of Something Better


    Books & Authors Mentioned

    • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
    • Story Genius by Lisa Cron
    • Christopher Pike
    • Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine
    • The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
    • Beverly Cleary
    • Ramona series by Beverly Cleary


    STAY CONNECTED

    The Literary Lounge

    Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

    Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

    • The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
    • The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
    • Recommended reads
    • Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

    Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

    Jennifer Cash

    Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

    Instagram: @readwithjennifer

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    42 分
  • The Stories That Take Us Places with Corinne Levine, Novel Travels

    The Stories That Take Us Places with Corinne Levine, Novel Travels
    2026/07/21
    This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by Corinne Levine, founder of Novel Travels, a luxury travel company that designs small group literary journeys and personalized itineraries for readers who want to step inside the books they love.Corinne and Jennifer explore the rise in literary travel, the connections forged through a shared love of books, and the magic of experiencing beloved literary places in real life. Corinne also shares how she transformed her passions for reading and travel into a creative career and why these trips can be meaningful, transformative, and community-building experiences. In This Episode:From Lifelong Reader to Travel AdvisorA Life-Changing Trip to St. Petersburg Creating Unique Literary Travel Experiences The Rise of Literary Travel Building Community Through a Shared Love of Books The Transformative Power of TravelStepping Into the Pages of Our Favorite Stories Embracing Solo TravelBuilding a Creative LifeMeet Corinne LevineCorinne Levine is the founder of Novel Travels, a luxury travel company designing small group literary journeys and tailored private itineraries for readers who want to step inside the books they love. The idea took root while she stood in St. Petersburg, years after having read Paullina Simons's The Bronze Horseman, and realized she couldn't be the only reader who wanted to walk through a novel's setting. Novel Travels partners directly with bestselling authors, including Fiona Davis and Karen White, to build immersive trips capped at 14 travelers, and was recently featured in the New York Times Travel section. Corinne operates through the Virtuoso and Global Travel Collection networks and is based in Boca Raton, Florida.Connect with Corinne Website: www.novel-travels.comInstagram: @noveltravelsofficialFacebook: Novel Travels Official Books & Authors Mentioned Fiona Davis Superfudge by Judy Blume Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy BlumeForever by Judy BlumeDanielle SteelMarjorie Morningstar by Herman WoukThe Bronze Horseman by Paullina SimonsCharles DickensJane AustenSherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleThe Lost Girls of Paris by Pam JenoffThe Spectacular by Fiona DavisThe Dollhouse by Fiona DavisThe Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis Wolf Hall by Hilary MantelBloomsbury Girls by Natalie JennerVirginia WoolfT. S. EliotOscar WildeHarry Potter series by J.K. Rowling A Game of Thrones series by George R.R. MartinThe Outlander series by Diana GabaldonMiss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien CharlesThe Paris Library by Janet Skeslien CharlesThe Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin HarmelPam JenoffThe Stolen Queen by Fiona DavisDaughter of Egypt by Marie BenedictDeath on the Nile by Agatha Christie Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne OlsonThe Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies Out of Africa by Isak DinesenThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby PageKaren White The House on Tradd Street by Karen White Beatriz WilliamsLauren WilligLeonardo’s Swans by Karen EssexCarley Fortune Nicholas Sparks STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer
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    37 分