The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Sharon Cameron Writes
30 oktober 2026 · 51 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron spoke with us about her unconventional path to writing, intensive research process, giving hope to young readers, and her ninth novel UP FROM THE ASHES. Lees meer
Sharon Cameron is the bestselling author of nine award-winning novels, including international bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick The Light in Hidden Places (2020), Bluebird (2021) and Artifice (2023). She is best known for immersive Young Adult historical fiction and thrillers.
Her latest novel, Up from the Ashes, is based on the true story of two heroes and their resistance in the Sobibor death camp during the Holocaust. Kirkus Reviews (starred review) called it “Powerfully written...Harrowing and riveting.”
A Booklist starred review said of the book, "Cameron's gripping account...carefully balances visceral descriptions of the Nazis' mind-numbing cruelty with moments of tenderness … as well as showing the prisoners' courage, resilience, and creativity... An unforgettable story of triumphant, defiant determination and hope."
Sharon’s books have won the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Westchester Fiction Award, the Junior Library Guild’s Gold Standard Award, earned starred reviews from Booklist, SLJ, Book Page and Kirkus, and have been chosen for Indie Next Top Ten, Audible Best Books, among many others.
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In this file Sharon Cameron, Milena, and I discussed:
Using her classical piano training as a foundation for her writing
How she stumbled upon inspiration for the latest on book tour
The differences between dramatized reality and pure historical fiction
Writing for young adults and balancing darkness with hope
Her 20-year friendship with Ruta Sepetys
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
sharon…
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How International Bestselling Author Meg Mason Writes
29 oktober 2026 · 46 min
Internationally bestselling author Meg Mason spoke with us about her journalism origins, the winding road to bestseller, how to navigate bad reviews, and her latest novel SOPHIE, STANDING THERE. Lees meer
Meg Mason is the author of You Be Mother and the critically acclaimed Sorrow and Bliss, which became an international bestseller in 2020. Winner of the British Book Industry Book of the Year, and shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, it has since been translated into more than 30 languages.
Her latest is Sophie, Standing There, set behind the scenes of a literary festival; the novel follows Sophie Pattison, a cheerful but increasingly invisible staffer whose life has quietly unraveled. A starred Library Journal review called the novel “a special treat for book lovers,” and Mason features real authors in the novel.
Ann Patchett praised the book as “a moving examination of what it means to be alone in the world, and what it means to find connection…by turns, heartbreaking, hilarious, and deeply hopeful. Meg Mason is a dazzling talent.”
Meg’s first career was in journalism, beginning at The Times of London, later writing for Vogue, ELLE, GQ, Sunday Style, The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts, among others.
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In this file Meg Mason, Milena, and I discussed:
The viral moment that changed everything for Sorrow and Bliss
How to write in third person ventriloquist
The parasocial reader-author dynamic at the heart of her new book
Hanging out with Ann Patchett
The discipline required to write seriously
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
megmason.com
Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason [Amazon]
Meg Mason Amazon Author Page
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Inst…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Alma Katsu Writes
23 oktober 2026 · 49 min
New York Times bestselling author Alma Katsu spoke with us about her 30-plus-year career in intelligence, her deep expertise in AI and social media disinformation, and her new techno-horror novel INCARNATE. Lees meer
Alma Katsu’s books have won and been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, including the Stoker, Goodreads Readers Choice, and International Thriller Writers, and have appeared on numerous Best Books lists, including NPR, the Observer, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Prior to becoming a full-time novelist, she spent 35 years working as a senior intelligence analyst for several U.S. agencies, including the CIA and NSA.
Her latest is Incarnate, described as a terrifying reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray for the internet age. Library Journal wrote of the book, “A deal with the devil is reworked for the online age, with a healthy dose of body horror joining AI. The combination makes the story uniquely terrifying.”
Author of Japanese Gothic, Kylie Lee Baker called it, “A deliciously addictive techno-horror that you can’t look away from.”
Alma’s debut novel, The Taker, was selected by Booklist as one of the top 10 debut novels of 2011. She is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Writing Program and Brandeis University, where she studied with novelist John Irving.
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In this file Alma Katsu, Milena, and I discussed:
Why intelligence work provided strong preparation for fiction
Her evolution as a writer and path to horror
How she chose Dorian Gray as a framework for her latest
Her concerns with recent developments in social media and generative AI
How she got a Stephen King blurb
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
almakatsubooks.com
Incarnate by Alma Katsu [Amazon]
Alma Kat…
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How Bestselling Author Isabel Cañas Writes: Part Two
22 oktober 2026 · 40 min
Bestselling author and historian Isabel Cañas returned to speak with us about the influence of Latin American history and family lore on her writing, the stakes of historical fiction, and her YA debut, THE HOUSE OF GARDENIAS. Lees meer
Isabel Cañas is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of The Hacienda, Vampires of El Norte, and The Possession of Alba Díaz.
Her fourth novel is The House of Gardenias, and her YA debut. “Set in revolutionary-era Mexico, the novel follows sixteen-year-old Minerva Treviño as she escapes an abusive home and begins a new life as a lady's maid to a wealthy widow.”
#1 NY Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer said of the book, "This is gothic storytelling with teeth: a lyrical and devastating tale of one maid caught in a spiderweb of loyalty, courage, revolution, and monsters both dead and alive."
Isabel holds a doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and writes fiction inspired by her research and heritage.
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In Part Two of this file Isabel Cañas, Milena, and I discussed:
“The existential dread” of the week before pub date
How she came of age as a writer during the YA fantasy boom
Why she pivoted to adult horror early in her career
The familial inspiration behind her latest novel
How she walked away from her very first YA offer
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
isabelcanas.com
The House of Gardenias by Isabel Cañas [Amazon]
Isabel Cañas Amazon Author Page
Isabel Cañas on TikTok
Isabel Cañas on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How National Book Award-Winner and NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Acevedo Writes
16 oktober 2026 · 37 min
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo spoke with us about her journey from National Poetry Slam champion to winning the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and her new YA novel, ANGER IS ONLY A SHADOW. Lees meer
Elizabeth Acevedo is a renowned poet and New York Times-bestselling author of Clap When You Land, With the Fire on High and The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award, among many others.
Her first YA novel in six years, Anger Is Only a Shadow, is her most personal offering yet. Inspired by her experience leading poetry workshops for girls awaiting adjudication at the Youth Services Center in D.C., as well as loving and caring for someone with schizophrenia.
Publishers Weekly, in a Starred Review called the book “...a striking and nuanced portrait of the realities of juvenile detention and mental illness.”
Elizabeth is a National Poetry Slam champion and holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland.
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In this file Elizabeth Acevedo, Milena, and I discussed:
How she performed in ~100 poetry shows/year, visiting nearly every U.S. state over 2 years
The impostor syndrome she felt during her MFA in poetry
What it felt like to go from “slinging chapbooks” to having a publisher
Why she still reads every novel aloud to herself before submission
How she alternates between the two manuscripts in 2–3 week blocks to maintain perspective
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
acevedowrites.com
Anger Is Only a Shadow by Elizabeth Acevedo (Amazon)
Elizabeth Acevedo Amazon Author Page
Elizabeth Acevedo on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book…
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How Bestselling Author Isabel Cañas Writes: Part One - Redux
14 oktober 2026 · 33 min
Mexican-American writer and historian, Isabel Cañas, spoke to me about how to binge-write a novel, her fear of the dark, and swinging for the fences with her gothic debut "The Hacienda." Lees meer
Isabel is a speculative fiction writer, and world traveler – currently working on her Ph.D. dissertation in medieval Islamic literature – who writes fiction inspired by her research and heritage.
Her debut novel is the highly-anticipated gothic, The Hacienda, "... a haunted house story with a Latinx refresh .... partly inspired by a home Isabel lived in when she was a child — one she still believes to this day is haunted."
Described by The Washington Post as, “[A] gothic tale of doomed love and vengeful spirits." NY Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi called the book, “A hypnotic, sinister tale that is equal parts terrifying and luxurious ... a nightmare lined with velvet.”
In this file Isabel Cañas and I discussed:
Writing fantasy fan fiction and her convoluted juvenilia
Why horror demands vulnerability from the author
On haunted houses and ghosts of colonialism and diaspora
Zero-drafting
How to write 4000 words a day
And a lot more!
Stay calm and write on ...
Show Notes:
isabelcanas.com
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas [Amazon]
Isabel Cañas Amazon Author Page
Isabel Cañas on TikTok
Isabel Cañas on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How Bestselling Debut Novelist Andre Hardy Writes
9 oktober 2026 · 40 min
Bestselling crime novelist and former NFL running back Andre Hardy spoke with us about the slim odds of going from professional athlete to published novelist, writing through therapy, and his debut, TEAR THE CITY DOWN. Lees meer
Andre Hardy is a critically acclaimed debut crime novelist, former NFL running back, and a member of the International Thriller Writers.
Described as a novel for fans of S.A. Cosby and Walter Mosley, TEAR THE CITY DOWN follows Coltrane Davis, a fixer for a crooked political kingmaker who wants out of the life and a chance to be present for his daughter.
New York Times bestselling author Ace Atkins called it, “A kickass debut from a bold new voice in crime fiction…. This novel is the stuff of lean, mean, California dreams."
Andre’s essays, interviews, and critical analysis have been published in L.A. Tribe Magazine, Lunch Ticket, and The Los Angeles Review of Books.
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In this file Andre Hardy, Milena, and I discussed:
How he found writing after his NFL career
Channeling the spirit of John Coltrane
Why writers need to subdue the inner critic
What he learned chasing his debut novel
The thick skin needed to pursue greatness
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
andrehardy.com
Tear the City Down by Andre Hardy (Amazon)
Andre Hardy on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How NY Times Bestselling Author China Miéville Writes
2 oktober 2026 · 45 min
New York Times bestselling author China Miéville spoke with us about his career origins, philosophy on genre, practical writing advice, and the grueling evolution of his latest novel, THE ROUSE. Lees meer
China Miéville is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction. His novels include The City & The City, Embassytown, and Perdido Street Station. A recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction, he has won the World Fantasy, Hugo, and Arthur C. Clarke awards, among others.
China’s latest novel, The Rouse, is a decade-spanning epic about a secret military unit trying to channel supernatural forces. The 1,200+ page novel 20 years in the making, has been described by peers as his magnum opus — a label he accepts with humility but did not coin himself.
China Miéville has a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and
his nonfiction includes a study of international law and a history of the Russian Revolution.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file China Miéville, Milena, and I discussed:
How he finally completed his 20-year labor of love
Why the writing process made him ill at points
On genre jumping, and literary fiction vs. "other stuff” snobbery
Why he believes that revealing that a book has a twist is "violence" against the reader's experience
How to trick yourself into writing a novel
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
chinamieville.net
The Rouse by China Miéville (Amazon)
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jeneva Rose Writes: Part Two
24 september 2026 · 41 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jeneva Rose returns to speak with us about motherhood and creativity, her transition from thrillers to horror, and her highly anticipated novella collection, SOMETIMES I SCARE MYSELF. Lees meer
Thriller icon Jeneva Rose is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including the multi-million-copy bestseller The Perfect Marriage. Her work has been translated into more than 30 languages and optioned for film and TV.
Her latest bestseller and horror debut, Sometimes I Scare Myself: A Collection of Horror, is described as three novellas spanning the horror-comedy, haunted house, and slasher subgenres.
Jeneva Rose has a background in social media, digital, and email marketing. She became a full-time author in March 2021, and has amassed over one million followers across all social media platforms, including TikTok where she’s known as “Mother Goose.”
[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm]
[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Jeneva Rose, Milena, and I discussed:
How she channeled postpartum anxiety into her latest
The biggest difference between writing horror vs. thrillers
Her favorite place to do secret book signings
When we can expect to see The Perfect Marriage adaptation
Her philosophy on persevering through rejection
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
jenevarose.com
Sometimes I Scare Myself: A Collection of Horror by Jeneva Rose (Amazon)
Jeneva Rose Amazon Author Page
Jeneva Rose on Facebook
Jeneva Rose on Instagram
Jeneva Rose on TikTok
Jeneva Rose on Twitter
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jeneva Rose Writes: Part One - Redux
23 september 2026 · 40 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jeneva Rose, spoke with us about betting on herself, spurning the crown of “Queen of Twists,” her viral social media fame and latest post-apocalyptic romance, DATING AFTER THE END OF THE WORLD Lees meer
I am joined by a co-host this week, none other than The Book Babe, Milena Gonzalez.
Jeneva Rose is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including the multi-million copy bestseller, The Perfect Marriage. Her work has been translated into more than 30 languages and optioned for film and TV.
Her latest novel is DATING AFTER THE END OF THE WORLD (October 1, 2025), a post-apocalyptic, zombie, enemies-to-lovers romance. Dating After The End of the World was named an Amazon First Reads pick and a #1 New Release in Romantic Comedy.
Jeneva Rose has a background in social media, digital, and email marketing. She became a full-time author in March 2021, and has amassed over one million followers across all social media platforms, including TikTok where she’s known as “Mother Goose.”
[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm]
[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Jeneva Rose, Milena Gonzalez, and I discussed:
How she overcame the odds, and 500 rejections, to sign two major publishing deals
Writing with a new baby on board
Turning hate mail into a laughable social media saga
Her inspiration for the latest
The unwavering support of her husband
Hanging out with Colleen Hoover
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
jenevarose.com
Dating After the End of the World– October 1, 2025 by Jeneva Rose (Amazon)
Jeneva Rose Amazon Author Page
Jeneva Rose on Facebook
Jeneva Rose on Instagram
Jeneva Rose on TikTok
Jeneva Rose on Twitter
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
dia…
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How Bestselling Author Ellen O’Clover Writes
18 september 2026 · 38 min
Bestselling author Ellen O’Clover spoke with us about her career as a copywriter, her writing process, making the transition from YA to adult romance, and her latest novel IF NOT YOU. Lees meer
Ellen O’Clover is the acclaimed author of The Heartbreak Hotel—a BOTM selection, instant indie bestseller, and one of NPR’s 2025 “Books We Love.” She studied creative writing at Johns Hopkins University.
Her latest novel, If Not You, is described as an “...honest and heartfelt love story [with] the witty, down-to-earth, timeless vibes of the classic 90s and 2000s rom-coms.”
Rachel Lynn Solomon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Extracurricular, said of the author, “Ellen O'Clover is one of my favorite writers — her books leave me in perpetual awe….The romance genre is radically lucky to have Ellen's voice in it.”
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Ellen O’Clover, Milena, and I discussed:
Getting a blurb from our friend Jodi Picoult
Why she made the shift from pantser to plotter
How she crafts her emotionally driven fiction
What she mined from her copywriting career for the latest
Meeting your readers where they are
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ellenoclover.com
If Not You By Ellen O’Clover (Amazon)
Ellen O’Clover Amazon Author Page
Ellen O’Clover on Substack
Ellen O’Clover on TikTok
Ellen O’Clover on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Writes: Part Two
17 september 2026 · 37 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult returns to speak with us about her research process, writing habits, book bans, recurring characters, and her 30th novel, HOLLOW BONES. Lees meer
Jodi Picoult is the award-winning and bestselling author of 30 novels, including most recently the #1 bestseller By Any Other Name. Her landmark novel 19 MINUTES was recently named the most banned book in the United States in a report by PEN America.
Her 30th novel is Hollow Bones, also a #1 bestseller, and a book that “explores mothers and daughters, gender bias in healthcare, and catastrophe and consequence.”
In a starred review, Kirkus called the book, “An intricate, twisty family drama spanning decades . . . Fans of My Sister’s Keeper will . . . be glad to hear a character from that book is back. . . . The queen of social activist novels has done it again.”
With over 60 million books in print, Jodi's books have been translated into forty languages. Her co-adaptation of the musical Austenland is currently in development.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Jodi Picoult, Milena, and I discussed:
Why she took and failed a lie detector test researching her latest book
The never-ending book tour and surviving on one meal a day
How she defends free speech while maintaining 1.5M social media followers
Why there’s no silver bullet after finishing a book and signing with an agent
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
jodipicoult.com
Hollow Bones: A Novel By Jodi Picoult (Amazon)
Jodi Picoult Amazon Author Page
Jodi Picoult on Facebook
Jodi Picoult on Twitter
Jodi Picoult on Instagram
Jodi Picoult on TikTok
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
Le… -
How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Writes: Part One - Redux
11 september 2026 · 35 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, spoke with me about writing for Wonder Woman, adapting books for musical theater, and the question of Shakespeare's true authorship in her upcoming novel BY ANY OTHER NAME. Lees meer
Jodi Picoult is the bestselling author of 30 novels, including landmark titles such as Mad Honey – her most recent 1 million-copy bestseller – Wish You Were Here, A Spark of Light, and Small Great Things. 40 million copies of her books are in print worldwide and have been translated into 34 languages.
Her forthcoming novel is BY ANY OTHER NAME (on sale 8/20; Ballantine), described as a novel about two women, centuries apart – one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays – who are both forced to hide behind another name.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah said of the book, “You’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life in her brilliantly researched new novel.” Elle called it, “[An] inspiring work of feminist literature inspired by real historical accounts.”
Jodi was also co-librettist for the stage musical adaptation of her young adult novel Between the Lines (which premiered Off-Broadway in Summer 2022), the co-librettist of the musical BREATHE, the co-librettist of the musical adaptation of The Book Thief, and she is currently at work on an adaptation of Austenland.
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In this file Jodi Picoult and I discussed:
What's changed and what hasn't for women (in theater) over 400+ years?
The best time to break an arm for an author
How she works in cycles for her books
Why her kids made her write for Wonder Woman
The conundrum of a famous playwright who didn’t own a …
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How Critically Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jessica Goldstein Writes
10 september 2026 · 43 min
Critically acclaimed debut novelist Jessica Goldstein spoke with us about her career path from teen mag intern to freelance culture writer, time travel, and her nostalgic debut, RETRO. Lees meer
Jessica M. Goldstein is a journalist, humorist, and longtime contributor to Vulture, where she has recapped ‘Emily in Paris,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Wednesday,’ and ‘The White Lotus.’ Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Marie Claire, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and more.
Her highly anticipated debut, Retro, is described as “Party Down meets one of those great George Saunders short stories about how weird and dystopian work is. A little White Lotus, a little Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
In a starred review, Kirkus declared the book “a nuanced, biting cautionary tale about how not staying present can erase our very selves.”
Jessica also publishes a weekly Substack newsletter, The Retro Report, where she shares vintage mood-based recommendations for what to read, watch, listen to, meditate on, and obsess over.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Jessica Goldstein, Milena, and I discussed:
The origins of her debut novel and how she snagged an agent
Getting long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize
Her intense nostalgia for the "Before" times
Why you need to opt out of the imagined timeline of becoming an author
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
jessicamgoldstein.com
retrotheagency.com
Retro: A Novel By Jessica Goldstein (Amazon)
The Retro Report on Substack
Jessica Goldstein on Twitter
Jessica Goldstein on Facebook
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Insta…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Victoria Aveyard Writes
4 september 2026 · 39 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard spoke with us about her journey from USC screenwriting to publishing, her writing process, and her upcoming adult fantasy debut, TEMPEST. Lees meer
Victoria Aveyard is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the RED QUEEN series and the REALM BREAKER trilogy. Her books have sold over eight million copies and been published in more than 40 languages.
Her highly anticipated adult fantasy debut, Tempest, is the first book in The Lyrian Sea duology. Set against the fall of the Golden Age of Piracy, the book follows a former noblewoman facing execution for treason unless she helps the Empire hunt down its greatest enemy.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros said of the book, “Victoria Aveyard's first foray into adult fantasy is a triumphant, epic adventure on the high seas. What an exciting, captivating read to spend your weekend with!”
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Victoria Aveyard, Milena, and I discussed:
Her deliberate pivot in both creative growth and reader demand
How she sold her debut novel within two weeks of going on submission
The distinct differences between YA and Adult fiction
What her screenwriting background taught her about fast-paced storytelling
Why fanfiction provides writers an early anonymous feedback loop
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
victoriaaveyard.com
PLOT TWIST podcast
Tempest : A Novel By Victoria Aveyard (Amazon)
Victoria Aveyard Amazon Author Page
Victoria Aveyard on TikTok
Victoria Aveyard on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
Learn more abou… -
How Acclaimed Debut Author Kevin C. Morris Writes
3 september 2026 · 46 min
Acclaimed debut author Kevin C. Morris spoke with us about exploring the Alaskan coastline in search of a mysterious island, his query and publishing journey, and the resultant novel UNTAMED COAST. Lees meer
Kevin C. Morris is an engineer, and journalist (with 20 years of long-form writing under his belt), as well as a recreational pilot, boat captain, and entrepreneur based in Portland, Oregon.
His genre-bending debut novel, Untamed Coast, spans three timelines: 1938, the 1980s and 2017, all set along the rugged Alaskan coast, and described as “an atmospheric novel perfect for fans of McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore, Moore’s God of the Woods, Lawhon’s Frozen River, and Heller’s The Guide.
New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn said of the book, “Untamed Coast is a bold, intricately plotted debut unfolding against the beauty and danger of the Alaskan wilderness. . . . The timelines coil, the intrigue mounts, but it’s Kevin C. Morris’s vivid evocation of Alaska’s savage beauty that truly shines…”
Kevin spends his summers navigating the Inside Passage to Southeast Alaska—a rugged landscape that fuels both his adventures and his fiction.
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In this file Kevin C. Morris, Milena, and I discussed:
The story behind the Radioville mystery that inspired the book
How the novel was won at auction after multiple rewrites
Why his agent found his original query “kind of awful” and how he recovered
Where Morse code became a part of the plot and the structure of the novel
The wildness and beauty of the Alaskan coast as a character
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
kevincmorris.com
Untamed Coast: A Novel by Kevin C. Morris (Amazon)
Kevin C. Morris on Y…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Sarah Pinborough Writes
28 augustus 2026 · 45 min
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Pinborough spoke with us about her approach to plotting twists, the stark difference between writing novels and screenplays, and her latest THEY SAY A GIRL DIED HERE. Lees meer
Sarah Pinborough is the New York Times and Sunday Times #1 bestselling author of international hit Behind Her Eyes, published in over 25 territories worldwide.
Her latest novel, They Say a Girl Died Here, is describe as “a thrilling, genre-bending mystery about two murdered girls, a town with dark secrets, and a race to break a deadly cycle.”
Publishers Weekly called the book, “An addictive tale of Midwestern macabre. . . Pinborough's fierce yet flawed characters are easy to root for, and she doles out the story's shocking secrets at a tantalizing pace. Thriller fans who like it dark will devour this.”
Sarah Pinborough was the 2009 winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Story and also the 2010 and 2014 winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Novella, and she has four times been short-listed for Best Novel. She is also a screenwriter who has written for the BBC with multiple adaptations in the works.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Sarah Pinborough, Milena, and I discussed:
Her former life running a strip club
The chance encounter at FantasyCon that led to a three-book deal
How she changes gears while shifting mediums
Why horror is her favorite genre
Hot takes on recent horror films
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
sarahpinborough.com
They Say a Girl Died Here: A Novel by Sarah Pinborough (Amazon)
Sarah Pinborough Amazon Author Page
Sarah Pinborough on Twitter
Sarah Pinborough on Facebook
Sarah Pinborough on Instagram
M…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Nina Simon Writes
27 augustus 2026 · 43 min
New York Times bestselling author Nina Simon spoke with us about her unconventional career path, low-overhead creative lifestyle, and her sophomore novel MY SISTER IS GOING TO KILL ME. Lees meer
Nina Simon is the bestselling author of the hit novel Mother-Daughter Murder Night. A Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller, Simon’s debut was an Anthony Award winner, an Indie Next pick, and a Best of 2023 selection for Barnes & Noble, Library Journal, and Amazon.
Her follow-up, My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, is described as a “family-centric, women-led whodunnit about two sisters who work together to find a killer as they raft down the rapids of the Grand Canyon.”
Nita Prose, #1 bestselling author of The Maid series, called the book "A high-octane thriller about two sisters who have to solve a murder ... or die trying. Propulsive and page-turning, this is armchair adventure at its best."
Before turning to fiction, Nina wore many hats: NASA engineer, slam poet, game designer, museum director, and nonprofit CEO.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Nina Simon, Milena, and I discussed:
Her pivot from “museum visionary” to crime fiction
The cancer diagnosis in her family that prompted her to write her debut novel
How she turned the natural splendor of the Grand Canyon into a locked-room mystery
Her writing process and living off the grid
Engineering a low-expense lifestyle to buy creative freedom
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
NinaKSimon.com
My Sister Is Going to Kill Me: A Novel (Signed) by Nina Simon - Bookshop Santa Cruz
My Sister Is Going to Kill Me: A Novel by Nina Simon (Amazon)
Nina Simon Amazon Author Page
Nina Simon on Substack
Nina Simon …
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How #1 International Bestselling Author Raphael Montes Writes
21 augustus 2026 · 53 min
#1 international bestselling author Raphael Montes spoke with us about his dual career in TV and fiction, finding commercial success while maintaining authenticity, and the US publication of his hit book THE SECRET DINNER. Lees meer
Raphael Montes is the internationally acclaimed, #1 bestselling Brazilian thriller writer best known for The Secret Dinner, a dark and provocative novel set in Rio de Janeiro described as "a mixture of Alfred Hitchcock's suspense with Quentin Tarantino's black comedy.” He is published in over 25 countries with over 8 million copies sold.
Set in Copacabana, The Secret Dinner—a biting, dark satire of foodie culture, wealth excess, and youth desperation—is landing in the US for the first time and has been named a summer most-anticipated by Crimereads, in addition to two mentions in The New York Times.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager said of the book, "The Secret Dinner is a potent combination of gallows humor, Hitchcockian suspense, and trenchant social commentary. Bold and bloody, it's a thriller with real bite."
Also a screenwriter, Raphael is the showrunner of Scars of Beauty—the most-watched original show on HBO Max in Latin America—and Netflix’s award-winning series Good Morning, Verônica.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Raphael Montes, Milena, and I discussed:
How he leveraged early Bookstagram and BookTok to great success
The themes of power, ambition, food, and class behind The Secret Dinner
Switching between screenwriting and fiction to beat writer’s block
Why he believes literature should provoke moral questions and self-reflection in readers
How he broke into TV after producers noticed the filmic quality of his second novel
Drinking dry gin martinis with Patricia Hig…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter Writes
20 augustus 2026 · 37 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter spoke with us about her writing origins, cabin-based creative process, TV adaptations, and her new novel THE SECRETS WE HIDE, a follow-up to #1 hit WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE. Lees meer
Karin Slaughter is one of the world's most popular crime thriller writers, a fixture on bestseller lists who has written more than 25 novels. Her work consistently tops the charts and We Are All Guilty Here was her first #1 on the New York Times list.
The follow up is to that hit novel is her latest thriller in the North Falls series, The Secrets We Hide. Publishers Weekly wrote of the author, "Slaughter remains as skilled as ever at probing the darker side of life in Georgia."
Karin is published in 120 countries with over 40 million copies sold. The TV series based on her novel PIECES OF HER debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix, and her beloved Will Trent series is now in its fourth season with ABC.
She also wrote the limited series adaptation of The Good Daughter for Peacock, and is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit that supports libraries.
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In this file Karin Slaughter, Milena, and I discussed:
How she was incentivized to write about dark subjects at a young age
The core advice that helps her keep the words flowing
Why she writes in sprints that break her brain
Where the kernel of her idea for the sequel to We Are All Guilty Here began
How to stay prolific by challenging yourself as a writer
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
(00:00) [THE SECRETS WE HIDE]
karinslaughter.com
The Secrets We Hide : A Novel By Karin Slaughter (Amazon)
Karin Slaughter Amazon Author Page
Karin Slaughte…
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How Acclaimed Author & Screenwriter Kevin Wade Writes
14 augustus 2026 · 44 min
Novelist, veteran screenwriter, and longtime Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade spoke with us about the challenges of transitioning across writing mediums, storytelling principles, and book two of his debut crime series, ONE GOOD EYE. Lees meer
Kevin Wade is the Golden Globe and the Writers Guild of America nominated screenwriter of movies including the seven-time Oscar nominated comedy Working Girl (1988), True Colors (1991) starring John Cusack and James Spader, the Tom Selleck comedy Mr. Baseball (1992), Ivan Reitman's Junior (1994), the epic romance Meet Joe Black (1998), and the rom-com Maid in Manhattan (2002).
In 2010, he joined the rookie CBS drama Blue Bloods as a writer, and in 2011 he became its showrunner and executive producer for the entire 14-year run.
His latest release is the follow-up to his debut crime novel Johnny Careless, a book author John Sanford called a “fast-moving classic crime novel,” and that was shortlisted for the Edgar Best First Novel Award.
One Good Eye is the second in the Police Chief Jeep Mullane series and Library Journal said of the author, “Wade delivers another compelling literary mystery. His characters feel intimately real...and Jeep remains a deeply engaging protagonist...With sharp prose and a vivid sense of place on Long Island’s Gold Coast, Wade’s second…book will have readers eager to read more stories about Jeep and his community."
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In this file Kevin Wade, Milena, and I discussed:
What his early aspirations as an actor in NYC taught him about playwriting
How he had his first screenplay turned into a hit movie by a legendary director
Why he wrote his debut novel during the Writers Guild strike
The biggest challenges of moving from TV writing to the novel
…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Gillian McAllister Writes
13 augustus 2026 · 42 min
New York Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister spoke with us about how to deal with rejection, deleting full drafts, the business side of adaptations, and her latest US release, the thriller THAT NIGHT. Lees meer
Gillian McAllister is the internationally bestselling author of Wrong Place Wrong Time, Just Another Missing Person, Famous Last Words, and others. Her novels have been selected by both Read with Jenna and Reese’s Book Club, and she has become one of today’s most celebrated voices in psychological suspense.
Her latest US release is That Night (already adapted into a Netflix series), a novel that follows a family’s dream vacation in Italy that spirals into a nightmare.
New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry said of Gillian, “McAllister is the best at putting her characters in impossible situations and making her readers not only contemplate but feel what it would be like to find themselves in those situations.”
Gillian graduated with an English degree before working as a lawyer. She is also the creator and co-host of the popular Honest Authors podcast.
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In this file Gillian McAllister, Milena, and I discussed:
Her law background and path to publication
How she wrote close to 400K words before breaking through
Why she plans novels via synopsis and keeps her early drafts private
Business advice on how to talk to publishers once you’ve sold a book
The real reason so many lawyers become crime writers
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
gillianmcallister.com
The Honest Authors’ Podcast
That Night: A Novel by Gillian McAllister (Amazon)
Gillian McAllister Amazon Author Page
Gillian McAllister Facebook
Gillian McAllister…
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How to Make Your Story Matter with Storytelling Expert Abbie Emmons
7 augustus 2026 · 42 min
Bestselling author and storytelling expert Abbie Emmons spoke with us about topping 600K YouTube followers, helping writers craft emotionally resonant narratives, and her new writing guide MAKE YOUR STORY MATTER. Lees meer
Abbie Emmons is the popular YouTube creator behind the channel Make Your Story Matter. For over seven years, she has been sharing her wisdom on YouTube (@abbieemmons), where she teaches writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling to transform their ideas into masterpieces
Her latest book, Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love (releasing August 11, 2026), “... [offers a] simple but powerful 3-step framework for storytelling that’s rooted in psychology called the Who, What, Why Method.”
Jessica Brody, bestselling author of Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, wrote of the book, "Understanding why stories move us is one of the most powerful things a writer can learn. Make Your Story Matter brings the psychology and heart of storytelling to life in a way that will transform how you think about your characters and your craft."
Her online learning platform, Abbie’s Story University, has thousands of students worldwide. Through monthly live lectures and in-depth courses, Abbie offers comprehensive instruction on creative writing, editing, publishing, and more.
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In this file Abbie Emmons, Milena, and I discussed:
Her three-pillar framework for crafting compelling stories
How to make your characters relatable
Why writers struggle with motivation and writing slumps despite having great ideas
What “writing ugly” can do for your productivity
How to create a conversation…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Moriarty Writes
5 augustus 2026 · 49 min
New York Times bestselling author Laura Moriarty spoke with us about her teaching philosophy as a creative writing professor, the craft of historical fiction, and the research process behind her latest novel, SUNLIGHT FINDS YOU. Lees meer
Laura Moriarty is the New York Times bestselling author of The Chaperone, The Center of Everything, The Rest of Her Life, While I'm Falling, and a Creative Writing Professor at the University of Kansas.
Her latest novel is Sunlight Finds You, described as a book that “explores the fervor of young love, the shock of parental betrayal, and the long-term consequences of adolescent choices.”
A Kirkus starred review wrote of the work, “Moriarty has an unusual gift for voice, a spark that can turn a novel about ordinary events into something compelling…A rich, rewarding slice of history that should remind us how important it is for women to have choices of all kinds.”
Laura Moriarty received her master's degree from the University of Kansas and was awarded the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy.
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In this file Laura Moriarty, Milena, and I discussed:
Her early career in social work and how she almost became a doctor
Why she loves working with graduate students on their WIPs
The research process that went into Sunlight Finds You
What changing the POV can do for your narrative
How incorporating psychological authenticity over modern values can improve historical fiction
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
english.ku.edu/people/laura-moriarty
Sunlight Finds You: A Novel by Laura Moriarty (Amazon)
Laura Moriarty Amazon Author Page
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Rev…
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How Bestselling Author Sarma Melngailis Writes: Part Two
31 juli 2026 · 36 min
Bestselling memoirist, chef, and former restaurateur Sarma Melngailis spoke with us about her much-loved restaurant, Pure Food and Wine, reclaiming her narrative post Bad Vegan, and her eight-year journey writing THE GIRL WITH THE DUCK TATTOO. Lees meer
Sarma Melngailis is the founder of One Lucky Duck and co-creator of the acclaimed New York City restaurant Pure Food and Wine. Her notorious story of scandal and betrayal was the subject of the Netflix docuseries Bad Vegan—a series that left much of her story misrepresented.
Her bestselling memoir, The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, is described as a “reclamation” and “... a raw, unflinching memoir of how one smart, driven woman went from building a dream to being ensnared in a cult of one.”
Sarma is the author of cookbooks Living Raw Food and the co-author of Raw Food/Real World, and is currently in production on a new docuseries while working to re-launch her businesses. She is also graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the French Culinary Institute
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In Part Two of this file Sarma Melngailis, Milena, and I discussed:
Her professional journey from the French Culinary Institute to celebrity restaurateur
Reclaiming her narrative from sensationalist and biased media coverage
How she continues to examine the psychology of manipulation
Reliving some of the trauma of her experience by recording the audiobook
Her thoughts on resurrecting Pure Food and Wine
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/files! #squarepod
sarmaraw.com
linktr.ee/sarmamelngailis
The Girl with the Duck Tattoo: A Memoir by Sarma Meln…
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How Bestselling Author Sarma Melngailis Writes: Part One
30 juli 2026 · 35 min
Bestselling memoirist, chef, and former restaurateur Sarma Melngailis spoke with us about her much-loved restaurant, Pure Food and Wine, reclaiming her narrative post Bad Vegan, and her eight-year journey writing THE GIRL WITH THE DUCK TATTOO. Lees meer
Sarma Melngailis is the founder of One Lucky Duck and co-creator of the acclaimed New York City restaurant Pure Food and Wine. Her notorious story of scandal and betrayal was the subject of the Netflix docuseries Bad Vegan—a series that left much of her story misrepresented.
Her bestselling memoir, The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, is described as a “reclamation” and “... a raw, unflinching memoir of how one smart, driven woman went from building a dream to being ensnared in a cult of one.”
Sarma is the author of cookbooks Living Raw Food and the co-author of Raw Food/Real World, and is currently in production on a new docuseries while working to re-launch her businesses. She is also graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the French Culinary Institute
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In Part One of this file Sarma Melngailis, Milena, and I discussed:
How she knew she would write the book while serving time at Rikers Island
The Art of Memoir as part of the healing process
When she knew the book would become an investigation and a cautionary tale
How memory plays tricks on us
Why she chose to publish her memoir independently
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/files! #squarepod
sarmaraw.com
linktr.ee/sarmamelngailis
The Girl with the Duck Tattoo: A Memoir by Sarma Melngailis (Amazon)
Sarma Melngailis on Instagram
Milena Gonza…
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How Pulitzer Winner & NY Times Bestselling Author Daniel Kraus Writes
24 juli 2026 · 48 min
New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Kraus spoke with us about book promotion as an introvert, writing two books a year, his creative process, and his first sci-fi novel, THE SIXTH NIK. Lees meer
Daniel Kraus is a New York Times bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and 2026 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction for his novel Angel Down. His novel Whalefall received a front-cover review in The New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist, and was named a Best Book of Year by NPR, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and more.
His latest novel is The Sixth Nik, “Perfectly aligned for readers of Iain M. Banks’s The Culture series and Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, The Sixth Nik is a galaxy-spanning adventure,” that Booklist called “Strange and intense and impossible to look away from … sf at its most daring.”
Daniel Kraus coauthored The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus coauthored Trollhunters, which was adapted into the Emmy Award–winning Netflix series.
Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both Rotters and Scowler), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, and more. Kraus’s work has been translated into over 25 languages.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Daniel Kraus, Milena, and I discussed:
How he overcame the productivity “delays” of winning a Pulitzer Prize
When he sensed the momentum shift in his writing career
The distinctive honor he shares with Cormac McCarthy
Adapting Whalefall for the big screen
His first foray into science fiction
And a lot more!
Show Notes:…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Eddie Huang Writes
23 juli 2026 · 54 min
New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and decorated chef Eddie Huang spoke with us about his origins as a writer, the pivot from memoir to autofiction, and the personal transformation behind his debut novel COME UNDONE. Lees meer
Eddie Huang is a chef, restaurateur, food personality, filmmaker, and polmath widely recognized for his bestselling memoir, Fresh Off the Boat, which inspired the hit ABC sitcom of the same name. Anthony Bourdain wrote of the book, “Mercilessly funny and provocative, Fresh Off the Boat is also a serious piece of work.”
Eddie recently published his fiction debut, Come Undone: A Novel, described as “a sharp, emotionally raw exploration of love, masculinity, and self-destruction.”
“A subversively funny first novel, the bestselling author of Fresh Off the Boat delivers a portrait of a haunted manchild and his messy search for love…”
Eddie is also a co-owner of BaoHaus, a restaurant in the East Village of Lower Manhattan, and was previously the host of “Huang's World” for Viceland. He wrote and directed the feature film Boogie (2021) and released the documentary Vice Is Broke (2024). He now co-hosts a popular lifestyle podcast alongside his wife, Natashia Perrotti, Canal Street Dreams.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Eddie Huang, Milena, and I discussed:
Why Good Will Hunting changed his life
The decade of self-doubt that followed runaway hit Fresh Off the Boat
How autofiction allowed him to access an emotional truth without the constraints of memoir
On not being Cormac McCarthy
What Anthony Bourdain's death meant to him personally
His key literary influences
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 off Square hardwar…
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How Newberry Medalist and #1 NYT Bestselling Author Kate DiCamillo Writes
17 juli 2026 · 43 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo spoke with us about overcoming rejection early on, her workmanlike process, and how she stays grounded after more than 25 years in the craft. Lees meer
Kate DiCamillo is a celebrated author of children's fiction, and famously one of only seven authors to win two Newbery Medals for her outstanding contributions to American children's literature.
Because of Winn-Dixie—her debut novel—became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. Since then she has written for a wide range of ages, received countless awards, has nearly 49 million books in print worldwide, and been translated into 41 languages.
Kate has multiple new books this year, and is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved classic, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
The Chicago Tribune wrote of the author, “DiCamillo has carved out a distinct place as one of her generation’s most beloved writers.”
There are popular feature film versions of some of her classic novels, including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses, The Tiger Rising, and The Magician’s Elephant.
Kate is also a literacy advocate and a Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Emerita.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Kate DiCamillo, Milena, and I discussed:
Why all roads lead to the coffee maker
Her morning ritual and daily page counts
What she tells students about being relentless
How each book presents a unique challenge for her
Hanging out with friend Ann Patchett at Parnassus Books
Why writers need to show up every day
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 o…
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How Acclaimed Debut Author Austin Taylor Writes
16 juli 2026 · 45 min
Acclaimed debut novelist Austin Taylor spoke with us about the pressure cooker of Harvard life, studying AI law in the heart of Silicon Valley, and the inspiration behind her debut set in the biotech startup world of NOTES ON INFINITY. Lees meer
Austin Taylor graduated from Harvard University in 2021 with a joint degree in Chemistry and English. She is currently pursuing a JD at Stanford Law School as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, with a focus on generative AI, copyright, and authorship.
Her debut novel, Notes on Infinity, was named an Oprah Daily “Best Summer Read,” a Zibby Owens’ “Summer Read,” a Goodreads “Hottest Debut of 2025,” and is inspired in part by her undergraduate studies, peers, and lab work in Harvard’s chemistry department.
Booklist wrote of the book, "With a trajectory that echoes that of Elizabeth Holmes’ Theranos, Taylor's debut provides an insider's glimpse into the high-stakes Ivy League climate and the potentially devastating personal consequences for those caught up in ambition beyond their abilities."
Austin is also a private pilot, a registered Maine guide, and a bassist.
[Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm]
[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Austin Taylor, Milena, and I discussed:
What it was like to grow up on a dairy farm in Maine
Writing her debut novel during her gap year
How The Social Network helped her capture the "momentum and excitement” of startup life
Her morning ritual and daily word counts
Why bad writing days are "almost always because [she’s] not reading enough" good stuff
Balancing law school and writing her sophomore novel
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/files! #squarepod
austintaylo…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Jessica Knoll Writes
10 juli 2026 · 41 min
New York Times bestselling author Jessica Knoll spoke with us about her career trajectory from magazine editor to novelist and screenwriter, the allure of dark romance, and her latest erotic thriller, HELPLESS. Lees meer
Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of Bright Young Women, The Favorite Sister, and Luckiest Girl Alive — now a major motion picture on Netflix starring Mila Kunis. She adapted and executive-produced Luckiest Girl Alive for the screen.
In 2021, she was named a screenwriter to watch by Variety, and in 2019, her original script, ‘Til Death, sold to Amazon and made The Black List.
Her latest novel, Helpless, was named a New York Times, Oprah Daily, Crime Reads, Town & Country, and Bookpage Most Anticipated Book.
Booklist described Helpless as “[A] taut contemporary tale of the explosive reunion of two former lovers… Knoll's twisty tale of psychological suspense, with its exploration of a nuanced relationship with elements of submission and control, will get readers talking.” And the New York Times Book Review wrote, “Knoll is the author of really unsettling thrillers… [Helpless] is like Misery but with your ex.”
Before writing fiction, Knoll built a career in editorial journalism, serving as a senior editor at Cosmopolitan and as articles editor at Self magazine. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Vogue.
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Jessica Knoll, Milena, and I discussed:
Writing her first novel in under ten months
How she taught herself the screenwriting craft
Why you need to write the book you want to read
How to write “low-fat” novels
The first time she understood that unlikable characters can anchor your fiction
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
El…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Chanel Cleeton Writes: Part Two
8 juli 2026 · 37 min
New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton returns to speak to me about the unknown nature of early spaceflight, watching The Right Stuff, the Artemis launch, and writing speculative fiction in her latest novel, AN INFINITE LOVE STORY. Lees meer
Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, as well as instant New York Times bestsellers When We Left Cuba, and The Last Train to Key West, among others.
Her new historical fiction novel, An Infinite Love Story, is described as Interstellar meets Daisy Jones & the Six: a sweeping dual-timeline novel set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race, perfect for readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Kate Quinn, and Kristin Hannah.
Booklist called it "[A] charming exploration of romantic entanglements during the Space Race…,” and New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn said of the book, "Cleeton's most deeply personal and deeply moving book yet! As an Air Force spouse herself, Cleeton paints Vivian's agony for her husband's safety and her frustration with a system built on the unseen labor of its military wives with keen understanding and endless sympathy. Both a tender romantic drama and a fascinating deep dive into the 1960s space race, An Infinite Love Story soars as high as its astronauts."
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In Part Two of this file Chanel Cleeton and I discussed:
NASA’s unique use of squawk boxes during the Space Race
How her IR academic background shaped the Cold War framing throughout her novel
Why managing reveals in speculative fiction is similar to managing multiple timelines
How to write a tearjerker
What she’s cooking up for her next Cold War novel
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
Elev…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Chanel Cleeton Writes: Part One - Redux
3 juli 2026 · 30 min
New York Times bestselling author, Chanel Cleeton, spoke to me about her passion for exploring Cuban-American identity via women's perspectives throughout history, how she plots her popular historical fiction, and her latest novel THE CUBAN HEIRESS. Lees meer
Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, as well as instant New York Times bestsellers When We Left Cuba, and The Last Train to Key West.
Her most recent historical fiction entry is The Cuban Heiress, described as a novel inspired by true events that “ … follows two women whose lives become intertwined during a fateful journey upon the S.S. Morro Castle—a luxury cruise liner that caught fire and sank on its way from Havana to New York in September 1934”
Booklist wrote of the book, “Nothing is what it seems in Cleeton's latest gripping historical novel.... Handsome con men, clever thieves, desperate rebels, and our valiant heroines all convene on this elegant but doomed ocean liner. Cleeton includes vivid details about the mysterious final voyage of the Morro Castle and provides further reading about this historic disaster.”
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In this file Chanel Cleeton and I discussed:
How she turned a law degree into a writing career
Why every writer needs to write a terrible first book
The research process of a book-a-year writer
Exploring lesser known events shaping Cuban-American culture
How her characters speak to her in her daily life
Why writers need to dig deep to overcome rejection
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ChanelCleeton.com
The Cuban Heiress By Chanel Cleeton (Amazon)
Chanel Cleeton Amazon Author Page
Chanel Cleeton on Instagram
Chanel Cleeton on …
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Eloisa James Writes
2 juli 2026 · 44 min
New York Times bestselling author and Shakespeare Professor Emeritus, Eloisa James, spoke with us about balancing literary scholarship with romance writing, leaving academia to write full-time, and her new “gothic adjacent” novel, THE LAST LADY B. Lees meer
Eloisa James is a New York Times bestselling author who has led a “double life” as both Mary Bly—a Harvard, Oxford, and Yale-educated Shakespeare professor—and Eloisa James—a powerhouse of historical romance (recognized for her Regency and Georgian-era romances).
Eloisa, called “a reigning queen of romance” by CBS Sunday Morning and a newly retired Shakespeare professor, continues to reinvent herself with her latest novel. THE LAST LADY B is a sharp, contemporary take on historical romance and her first foray into near-gothic storytelling—described as Jane Austen meets The White Lotus in the Scottish Highlands.
Publishers Weekly said of the book in a starred review, "As the intrigue ramps up—complete with death, scandalous revelations, criminal allegations, and the potential for supernatural interference—sparks fly …"
Eloisa James inherited a fascination with literature from her father, American Book Award-winning poet Robert Bly; her mother, short story author Carol Bly; and her godfather, Pulitzer Prize winner James Wright.
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In this file Eloisa James, Milena, and I discussed:
The burnout she experienced as a professor and former head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University
Why she decided to break the fourth wall and write her latest in first person
What the romance genre offers writers in creative freedom and experimentation
Her Popular course on writing genre fiction “Dragons, Daggers, and Dukes”
How she collaborated with co-author …
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How NY Times Bestselling Author & Publishing Exec. Jenny Jackson Writes
26 juni 2026 · 36 min
New York Times bestselling author and Knopf Executive Editor, Jenny Jackson, spoke with us about balancing life as an #authormom, editing bestsellers, finding standalone books, and her anticipated second novel, THE SHAMPOO EFFECT. Lees meer
Jenny Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street, a graduate of Williams College and the Columbia Publishing Course, and a Vice President and Editorial Director of Fiction at Alfred A. Knopf.
Her second novel, The Shampoo Effect (Pamela Dorman Books; June 30), was named a most anticipated book of 2026 by the New York Times, described as “a frothy novel of love, money, sex, and friendship,” [about] “an ambitious young woman [who] insinuates herself into a tight-knit social set, shaking up friendships and marriages in a small seaside town.”
New York Times bestselling author Coco Mellors said, “Jackson has a rare knack for capturing the intensity of old friendships and the way love, jealousy, money, and history combust until everyone is behaving (deliciously) badly.”
Jenny Jackson is a prominent figure in the publishing world, having edited numerous high-profile works, including Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and Cormac McCarthy’s final books, among others.
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In this file Jenny Jackson, Milena, and I discussed:
Why she has the "shortest resume in all of publishing"
What 23 years at Penguin Random House have taught her
How John Updike inspired her latest
The number of pages it takes her to know if your voice works
Why you need to reject “rise and grind” culture and write whenever you can
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-w…
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How Critically Acclaimed Author & Podcaster Bobby Finger Writes: Part Two
19 juni 2026 · 46 min
Critically acclaimed novelist and entertainment podcaster, Bobby Finger, returns to speak with us about his weekly word counts, wedding DJs, Who? Weekly, and his latest beach read WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY. Lees meer
Bobby Finger is the author of The Old Place and Four Squares, and co-creator and cohost of the popular celebrity and entertainment podcast, Who? Weekly, "The podcast that tells you everything you need to know about celebrities you don’t."
His third novel, We Are Gathered Here Today, was named a New York Times Summer's Best Beach Read. It’s described as The Wedding People meets The Celebrants, and a “...sharp and tender story [that] follows a recently engaged gay man who begins to question the idea of marriage while attending his cousin’s chaotic Wild West-themed wedding weekend.”
Booklist called the book “… a perfect read for anyone confused by or suspicious of the wedding-industrial complex, which can leave happy celebrations feeling more like a second full-time job for young lovers.”
Bobby previously worked as a staff writer for the culture website Jezebel from 2015 to 2018 and has contributed extensively to outlets like Vulture and The New York Times.
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In this file Bobby Finger, Milena, and I discussed:
How his latest originally featured a death until his editor suggested everyone live, transforming it into a beach read
Why he changed the book’s setting from fall to June at the`` publisher's request to position as summer release
How a scene from the book became a part of the cover design
The craziest thing he’s ever witnessed at a wedding IRL
His next book and upcoming essay collection written with his podcast co-host
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning a…
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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist and Podcaster Bobby Finger Writes: Part One - Redux
16 juni 2026 · 34 min
Journalist, hit entertainment podcaster, and debut novelist, Bobby Finger, spoke to me about writing for Jezebel, turning a screenplay into a novel, and his debut, "The Old Place." Lees meer
Bobby Finger is a writer and co-host of the popular celebrity and entertainment podcast, Who? Weekly, "The podcast that tells you everything you need to know about celebrities you don’t."
His debut novel is The Old Place, described as "A bighearted and moving debut about a wry retired schoolteacher whose decade-old secret threatens to come to light and send shockwaves through her small Texas town."
It has been named Washington Post‘s 10 Noteworthy Books for September, People‘s Best New Books, Town & Country’s 45 Must-Read Books of Fall, New York’s 25 Notable New Releases, Kirkus Review‘s 150 Most Anticipated Fall Books, LitHub‘s Most Anticipated Books of 2022, among many others.
New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub said of the book, “I loved being inside this skillful novel—at the planning parties for church fundraisers, learning to drive with a can of beer in the cupholder, and in the heads of some wonderfully tangy old Texan ladies. Bobby Finger has built a rich world in The Old Place, and I will think of it every time I make toast.”
Stay calm and write on ...
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In this file Bobby Finger and I discussed:
Growing up in a small Texas town
His start in copywriting and freelance journalism
Writing screenplays in the margins
Becoming a full-time podcaster
How to write autofiction with a twist
What happens when people leave, and those left behind
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/files! #squarepod
whoweekly.us
The Old Place By Bobby Finger (Amazon)
Bobby Finger on Instagra…
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How Critically Acclaimed Debut Novelist & Food Journo Catherine Kurtz Writes
12 juni 2026 · 43 min
Critically acclaimed debut novelist and food writer, Catherine Kurtz, spoke with us about art school, painting life, judging the International Chocolate Awards, and her delicious first book FEAST. Lees meer
Catherine Kurtz is a multidisciplinarian known for her parallel careers in the visual arts, literature, and culinary criticism – including as a judge and educator in the field of chocolate tasting. She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and a Grand Jury Member of the International Chocolate Awards.
Her debut is, Feast, “for fans of Chocolat (show-co-lot, haha, i need this 😂) and Like Water for Chocolate,” and described as a historical novel set at the turn of the 20th century as one young woman navigates the wonders and perils of her remarkable gift: an astonishing sense of taste and smell.
Alex Hay, author of The Housekeepers called it, “A beautiful book, vivid and delicious and alive—a story of escape and belonging and one woman's extraordinary gifts, unfolding its mysteries with care, brimming with feeling and stunning prose.”
Catherine Kurtz is also a painter represented by The Redfern Gallery in London. Her journalism has been published in a variety of publications including The Spectator’s Scoff, Harvest, ckbk and Celebrated Living.
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In this file Catherine Kurtz, Milena, and I discussed:
How her debut combines her backgrounds as a painter, food writer, and professional chocolate taster
Writing a book for The Great British Bake Off on Chocolate
Working with rock star turned chef Graham Garrett on his book Sex, Drugs, and Sausage Rolls
Why she took an art school approach to writing
The editorial approach to her food-centric writing and debut cover design
Her writing philosophy
And a lot…
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How Bestselling Author Meg Shaffer Writes
11 juni 2026 · 39 min
Bestselling author Meg Shaffer spoke with us about paying homage to fairy tales, defending libraries against censorship, and her latest cinematic, genre-bending bestseller, THE BOOK WITCH. Lees meer
Meg Shaffer is the bestselling author of The Lost Story and The Wishing Game, which was a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year as well as a Reader’s Digest and Washington Post Best Book of the Year, and has been translated into 23 languages. Shaffer holds an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College.
Her latest is the instant bestseller The Book Witch, described as a novel that’s part mystery, part love letter to libraries and booksellers, and a direct, timely meditation on book-banning.
Booklist called it a “whimsical tale of lost love, family secrets, and how books can change a reader's life” and Kirkus calls it “catnip for anyone who ever wished they could walk around in their favorite book.”
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In this file Meg Shaffer, Milena, and I discussed:
How she wrote a couple dozen romance novels under her real name
The rules set forth in her latest book about entering the worlds of beloved childrens’ series
Why the author’s writing is best when she’s having fun
Channeling the iconic sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury
Why "all books are kids' books if the kid can read"
How she aims to make readers appreciate the books they read as children
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
megshaffer.com
The Book Witch: A Novel By Meg Shaffer (Amazon)
Meg Shaffer Amazon Author Page
Meg Shaffer on Instagram
Meg Shaffer on Facebook
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How Acclaimed Debut Author Darby Bozeman Writes
5 juni 2026 · 44 min
Acclaimed debut author Darby Bozeman spoke with us about her journey from middle school English teacher to published author, and her debut thriller, SUMMER’S NEVER OVER. Lees meer
Darby Bozeman, originally from Portland, Oregon, relocated to the American South for graduate school, earning a master's degree in teaching from the University of Georgia. Before pivoting to full-time writing, she spent five years as a middle school English teacher.
Her dual-timeline debut thriller, Summer’s Never Over (Berkley Trade Original; on sale June 9, 2026), is described as We Were Liars meets God of the Woods, and is set at a summer camp where a counselor died in a suspicious fire five years prior. The book was recently chosen as a June selection for the Book of the Month Club.
Publishers Weekly called it an “Impressive debut…an addictive thriller ideal for summer reading.” Bestselling author Ashley Winstead wrote, "Darby Bozeman has the perfect beach read in this sinister summer camp thriller, where the paradisical woods of Dread's Cove hide not only hot bodies and cold waters, but dark secrets.”
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In this file Darby Bozeman, Milena, and I discussed:
How she gleaned inspiration from her teaching
The science of narrative writing, including tension building and sentence-level craft
Why her book was pitched as “Carly Fortune writing a murder mystery”
How she secured an agent and got a two-book deal
Why she prefers the coffee shop to her own coffee
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
darbybozeman.com
Summer’s Never Over : A Novel By Darby Bozeman (Amazon)
Darby Bozeman on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
Learn more ab… -
How NY Times Bestselling Author John Kenney Writes
29 mei 2026 · 53 min
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author John Kenney spoke with us about life as an ad-man, writing humor for The New Yorker, and the paperback release of his latest novel I SEE YOU’VE CALLED IN DEAD. Lees meer
John Kenney is the bestselling author of three novels and four books of poetry, including Love Poems (For Married People), a New York Times bestseller. His first novel, Truth In Advertising, won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He is a longtime contributor to The New Yorker magazine’s Shouts & Murmurs column.
His most recent novel, I See You’ve Called In Dead (available in paperback June 2nd), is described as “The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy” and was an instant bestseller. The book follows Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who accidentally publishes his own obituary and begins attending strangers' funerals to find meaning of life.
In a starred review Booklist said of the book, “I See You’ve Called in Dead is a witty and heartwarming reminder of the bottomless despair, limitless absurdity, and undeniable joy of the human experience.”
John Kenney has worked as a copywriter for more than 25 years at Ogilvy, McGarry Bowen, and Publicis. He has created campaigns for American Express, Citi, Chevron, Heineken, and Cadillac, to name a few.
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In this file John Kenney, Milena, and I discussed:
His past life as a high profile copywriter
10 years of rejections from the New Yorker
Why he still has impostor syndrome
The personal inspiration behind his latest novel
Writing self-deprecating poetry
Why he’s writing a memoir about rewriting his mother's obituary
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
byjohnkenney.com
I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney (Amazon)
John Kenney Amazon A…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys Writes: Part Two
22 mei 2026 · 49 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Ruta Sepetys, returns to speak with us about her 12 years of research, ragtime music, and the “fortune and facade” of 1920s Detroit in her adult historical fiction debut, A FORTUNE OF SAND. Lees meer
Ruta Sepetys is the award-winning and internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Her acclaimed “crossover” YA literature includes the Carnegie Medal-winning Salt to the Sea.
Her latest, A Fortune of Sand (available May 26th), is described as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby and Amor Towles’ Rules Of Civility meets Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. The novel follows a wealthy, eccentric family in Detroit’s booming automobile industry and includes a plot twist around stolen jewels.
A Booklist starred review called the book, “A richly detailed portrait of the glittering city and [Detroit’s] dark underbelly. . . . This will appeal to fans of Kate Atkinson’s Shrines of Gaiety and Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach.”
Ruta’s books have won or been shortlisted for more than 50 book prizes, and are currently in development for film and television.
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In this file Ruta Sepetys, Milena, and I discussed:
Why she still gets nervous before every book release
Finding a writing structure to mimic the volatile energy of The Roaring ‘20s
Why she filed FOIA requests and worked with former FBI agents to interpret her research
How she co-authored a YA historical mystery with Steve Sheinkin
Why she prefers the term "investigation" over "research"
Her creative fuel
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
rutasepetys.com
A Fortune of Sand: A Novel by Ruta Sepetys (Amazon)
Ruta Sepetys Amazon Author Page…
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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys Writes: Part One - Redux
20 mei 2026 · 34 min
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Ruta Sepetys, spoke to me about what she learned in the music industry, the secrets to strong, vivid writing, and her non-fiction debut YOU: THE STORY: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory. Lees meer
Ruta Sepetys is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Her acclaimed “crossover” YA literature includes the Carnegie Medal-winning Salt to the Sea.
Her latest is the creative guide to writing, You: The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory (available May 16, 2023), which “... provides aspiring writers with a roadmap to crafting compelling stories by encouraging them to look inward and excavate their own memories in order to discover authentic voices and compelling details.”
In a starred review Booklist said of the book, “Part writing guide, part memoir, Sepetys’ fresh, fun handbook is all inspiration.”
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file, Ruta Sepetys and I discussed:
What she learned about storytelling working in the music industry
Why she’s drawn to underrepresented stories and “history in hiding”
How to discover the Four Hs of the "excitement of life"
Her intensive research process for each book
Why writers need to examine their own lives for authenticity
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
rutasepetys.com
You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory by Ruta Sepetys (Amazon)
Ruta Sepetys Amazon Author Page
Ruta Sepetys on Facebook
Ruta Sepetys on Instagram
Ruta Sepetys on Twitter
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Rosie Walsh Writes: Part Two
15 mei 2026 · 45 min
New York Times bestselling author, Rosie Walsh, returns to speak with us about the power of the writing community, her "work wife" Ashley Audrain, and her latest novel THE ONE DAY YOU WERE MY HUSBAND. Lees meer
Rosie Walsh has lived and traveled all over the world, working as a documentary producer and writer. Her two previous novels, Ghosted and The Love of My Life, were New York Times bestsellers and have sold nearly two million copies worldwide.
Her third novel is The One Day You Were My Husband (available May 19th) “asks readers what—and whom—they would give up to return to a first love and to the people they once were.”
New York Times bestselling author Clare Leslie Hall called the book “...a heart-wrenching love story and a mystery that shocks and surprises until the very end. A wonderful novel.”
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Rosie Walsh, Milena, and I discussed:
The ongoing "bum fight" that is the writer's life
How to create addictive plots that keep readers up at night
Why sometimes you have to kill your darlings for that outstanding ending
What it was like to do research in Thailand
Why no one understands you like another writer
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
RosieWalsh.com
The One Day You Were My Husband By Rosie Walsh (Amazon)
Rosie Walsh Amazon Author Page
Rosie Walsh on Facebook
Rosie Walsh on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How NY Times Bestselling Author Rosie Walsh Writes: Part One
13 mei 2026 · 33 min
New York Times bestselling author, Rosie Walsh, talked with me about finding her voice, transitioning from romcom to "emotional thriller," and her latest, The Love of My Life. Lees meer
Rosie Walsh has lived and traveled all over the world, working as a documentary producer and writer. Her American debut, Ghosted, was a New York Times bestseller and has sold more than one million copies worldwide.
Her second novel is The Love of My Life, described as a "...stay-up-all-night page-turner. It’s a love story wrapped in a mystery that ... [taps] into our darkest fears about motherhood, family, and trust."
Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push, said of the book, “Walsh’s hugely compelling THE LOVE OF MY LIFE instantly pulls you deep into the interior of a marriage. Part thriller, part mystery, part heart-wrenching love story, this is a treasure...”
Stay calm and write on ...
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Rosie Walsh and I discussed:
Writing upmarket fiction under a pseudonym
Why she starts all of her books with plot
How to write a "book that breathes"
What it's like to hang out at death cafes
The "bum fight" that is the writer's life
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
RosieWalsh.com
The Love of My Life: A Novel by Rosie Walsh (Amazon)
Rosie Walsh on Facebook
Rosie Walsh on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How NY Times Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie Write
8 mei 2026 · 37 min
New York Times bestselling authors and twin sisters Krista and Becca Ritchie spoke with us about their collaborative writing process, career journey from self-publishing to trad bestsellers, and the latest in their “Ritchie-verse,” DANGEROUSLY OURS. Lees meer
Krista and Becca Ritchie are New York Times bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—whose lifelong passion for writing has made them iconic voices in the contemporary romance world. They have written over 25 novels, including a TikTok sensation, the “Addicted” series.
Their latest novel, Dangerously Ours (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; May 12, 2026), is the thrilling conclusion to the “Webs We Weave” series about a dynamic group of young con artists that tackles gritty topics such as addiction, class, and power.
New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young called the series, “Fresh, deliciously angsty, and sizzling with slow-burn tension that kept me glued to the pages.”
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In this file Krista & Becca Ritchie, Milena, and I discussed:
Their early love of sharing stories
How their Addicted series went viral on BookTok 10 years after initial publication, leading to a traditional publishing deal
Why they create interconnected universes with Easter eggs across series
How they originally envisioned themselves as TV showrunners
The emotional significance of concluding this nostalgic series with a signing in Mystic, Connecticut
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
kbritchie.com
Dangerously Ours (Webs We Weave) (May 12, 2026) By Krista & Becca Ritchie
Krista & Becca Ritchie Amazon Author Page
Krista & Becca Ritchie on TikTok
Krista & Becca Ritchie on Facebook
Krista & Becca Ritchie on Instagram
Milena…
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How NY Times Bestselling Author Kate Quinn Writes
1 mei 2026 · 41 min
New York Times bestselling author and renowned historical fiction novelist, Kate Quinn, spoke with us about the importance of libraries, reading for mental health, and a love letter to both in her latest novel, THE ASTRAL LIBRARY. Lees meer
Kate Quinn describes herself as a "librarian fine delinquent turned bestseller" and is celebrated for her meticulously researched historical fiction, often highlighting resilient women in WWI, WWII, and ancient Rome. Key works include The Alice Network, The Huntress, and The Diamond Eye.
Her latest, already another NY Times bestseller, is a pivot to magical realism with The Astral Library, a fantasy novel about a secret book sanctuary. NPR called it, “Engrossing, suspenseful, and authentic.”
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner wrote, “Only Kate Quinn could give us a book this inventive, this fun, and this completely addictive. If you’ve ever wished to tumble straight into your favorite novel, here’s your chance.”
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[If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen]
In this file Kate Quinn, Milena and I discussed:
Her early training as an opera singer
A desire to enter the world of Narnia
Taking a genre departure into magical realism and fantasy while maintaining her signature character-driven storytelling
Why world-building is so important in her work
How libraries represent a living, breathing space for people and their complicated problems
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
katequinnauthor.com
Astral Library: A Novel By Kate Quinn (Amazon)
Kate Quinn Amazon Author Page
Kate Quinn on Facebook
Kate Quinn on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram
Kelton Reid Instagram
Kelton Reid on Twitter
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How Booker Prize Nominated Author Charlotte Wood Writes
24 april 2026 · 44 min
Award-winning Australian author Charlotte Wood discussed her journey from local journalist to Booker Prize finalist, her creative process, and the 10th anniversary of her dystopian novel THE NATURAL WAY OF THINGS. Lees meer
Charlotte Wood is the author of seven novels and three non-fiction books. Her last novel Stone Yard Devotional was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, listed as a New York Times Notable Book of 2025, Los Angeles Times 15 Best Books of 2025, and one of The Washington Post's best five novels of the year.
Now, for its 10th anniversary, comes a reprint of The Natural Way of Things, a book described as a prescient feminist fable and international classic, “The Handmaid’s Tale for our age” by The Economist, and by #1 New York Times bestselling author Paula Hawkins as “beautiful and savage.” It won the prestigious Stella Prize, the Australian Prime Minister’s Literary Award in Fiction, and was longlisted for many others.
Charlotte’s features and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Lit Hub, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Saturday Paper, among others.
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In this file Charlotte Wood, Milena and I discussed:
When she committed herself to becoming a writer
Why she never starts out with a big idea
The real-life girls' school that inspired The Natural Way of Things
How to apply "The George Costanza Approach" to your process
The career-changing reception of Stone Yard Devotional
The double-edged sword of literary prizes
And a lot more!
Show Notes:
charlottewood.com.au
The Natural Way of Things: A Novel by Charlotte Wood (Amazon)
Charlotte Wood Amazon Author Page
Charlotte Wood on Instagram
Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer
diary_of_a_book_babe on…
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How Bestselling & Award-Winning Author Ramona Ausubel Writes
17 april 2026 · 45 min
Bestselling and award-winning author Ramona Ausubel spoke with us about the value of low-residency MFA programs, and how to jumpstart your writing process with her latest book UNSTUCK: 101 Doorways Leading from the Blank Page to the Last Page. Lees meer
Ramona Ausubel is the author of five books, most recently The Last Animal which was a national bestseller and received the National Book Foundation Science + Nature Prize and was a Barnes & Noble book of the month.
She was the recipient of the PEN/USA Fiction Award, the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award and has been a finalist for both the California and Colorado Book Awards, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, and has had multiple selections as a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice.
Her latest non-fiction, Unstuck: 101 Doorways Leading From the Blank Page to the Last Page is a companion for writers at all stages of the process, and described as a book “… about staying in love with your writing: feeling excited, mischievous, productive, and hopeful—the opposite of being stuck. “
A Most Anticipated Book of 2026 from LitHub, Kirkus Reviews described it as, “An upbeat guide to navigating the writing process . . . Warm-hearted and practical, Ausubel emerges as trustworthy companion for a writer who’s stuck anywhere on the challenging road of creativity. Generous, empathetic, and unfailingly encouraging.”
Ramona’s work has been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Paris Review daily, One Story, Tin House, The Oxford American, Ploughshares and others. She is a professor at Colorado State University and has taught in the Bennington Writing Seminars, Tin House Writing Workshop, Writing by Writers, the Community of Writers, Bread Loaf Environmental, Writing Workshop Paris and elsewhere.
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How Booker Prize-Winning Author Anne Enright Writes: Redux
15 april 2026 · 36 min
Bestselling, Booker Prize-winning author, Anne Enright, spoke to me about eagles and moles, the interior engineering of a novel, her love of Irish poetry, and her latest THE WREN, THE WREN. Lees meer
Anne Enright won the Man Booker Prize and the Irish Fiction Award for her novel The Gathering. She has also been awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Book Awards, and was the first Laureate for Irish Fiction (2015-2018).
Her latest novel The Wren, the Wren, was named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year by TIME, The Millions, Literary Hub, and others, and is described as the story of “... three generations of … women who must contend with inheritances―of poetic wonder and of abandonment by a man who is lauded in public and carelessly selfish at home.”
The New York Times called it, "... a powerful, thoughtful book by one of the great living writers on the subject of family," and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan said of the book, “The Wren, the Wren is an electrifying romp through language itself―its dizzying possibilities and satisfactions―led by one the most gifted writers working in English today."
Anne Enright has also published two books of short stories, her essays on literary themes have appeared in the London Review of Books and The New York Review of Books, and she writes for the books pages of The Irish Times and The Guardian.
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In this file Anne Enright and I discussed:
The moment of burnout that changed her career
How she used to be a night owl scribe
Why you shouldn’t over-panic, or over-plan
The fallacies of impostor syndrome and inspiration
How to create a fictional poet out of thin air
Taking a long look at James Joyce ac…