Episodes
J.M. Mitchell joins the show this week to talk about newest Jack Chastain Mystery, “Migrations of Butterflies and Lies.” The story weaves together National Parks, history, and murder, and J.M. talks about how he balanced these factors in his writing. Learn more at https://prairieplumpress.com/
Colorado author Bethany Turner returns to the show this week to talk about her newest book, “Wes and Addie Had Their Chance,” the final installment of her Adelaide Springs romantic comedy series. Meet Bethany July 19 at 1 pm at Quill & Quest for a book signing. Learn more at http://bethanyturner.com/
Arizona author Jeanne Burrows-Johnson returns to the show this week with her fourth novel in her Natalie Seachrist mystery series, “Yen for Murder.” She discusses the importance of place in writing and honoring culture and language in fiction. To learn more, visit https://www.jeanneburrows-johnsonsimaginings.com/
Returning guest Lincoln Mitchell talks about his new book, “Three Years our Mayor: George Moscone and the making of Modern San Francisco,” a biography of George Moscone and his influence on the development of the city he served. Learn more at https://lincolnmitchell.substack.com/
Retired dendrochronologist Thomas Swetnam joins the show this week to talk about his new book out from UNM Press, “The Jemez Mountains: A Cultural and Natural History.” Swetnam talks about growing up in the Jemez area and how learning about a place’s history can help you live in it more intentionally and appreciate its characteristics. Learn more at https://www.treeringscar.org/
This week’s guest author retired from Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center and began volunteering at Mesa Verde National Park, which led to his writing “Mesa Verde’s Secret Garden: A History of Managing the Backcountry and Wilderness of a National Park.” Barns delves into and possible paths forward for the park in part 2 of his interview.
This week’s guest author retired from Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center and began volunteering at Mesa Verde National Park, which led to his writing “Mesa Verde’s Secret Garden: A History of Managing the Backcountry and Wilderness of a National Park.” Barns delves into the history of the park’s management in part 1 of his interview.
Colorado author Katherine L. Myrick shares the story of your journey to travel the full 1,700 miles Dominquez-Escalante trail with her dog Scarlett. The adventure is chronicled in her new book, “The Adventures of Scarlett of Arboles. 250 Years Later: Photographing the Dominquez-Escalante Trail of 1776.” Myrick shares that Mary Oliver's instructions for living a life inspired her during her photography and writing journey. Learn more at https://thefifthcornerphotogallery.com/
On this week’s episode co-executive directors of Utah publishing house Torrey House Press, Kirsten Johanna Allen and Will Neville-Rehbehn, talk about the company’s 15th anniversary as well as challenges they are facing with recent funding cuts due to the wider loss of grant funding for arts and humanities organizations across the country. Learn more at https://www.torreyhouse.org/
New Mexico author Stoney Compton talks about his novel, “Whalesong,” as well as his writing process and publishing journey on this week’s show. Learn more about Stoney’s books at https://www.stoneycompton.com/
Nan Fischer joins the show this week to talk about her book, “Growing a Sensational Garden in the Southern Rocky Mountains,” a compendium of knowledge she has gained over decades of working in nurseries and farms. Learn more at https://www.nannieplants.com/
Former Kirtland, NM resident Lynn Blackwood joins the show this week to discuss his newest book, “Estimated Time of Arrival,” a self-help book geared toward helping people more forward when troubled by hardships in life. Learn more at https://lynnablackwood.com/
After a recent author talk in Farmington, NM, Ellen Saul joins the show to discuss her nonfiction book, “From Pain to Power: Seven Steps to Healthy Boundaries.” She discusses how to develop healthy boundaries and change boundary beliefs that are not serving a person. Learn more at https://www.ellensaul.com/
Returning to the show this week is Robert J. Skead, a New Jersey-based author published with Artemesia Publishing in New Mexico. His newest middle grade novel, “Legend of the Narwhals,” follows young Prince Asgar on a magical adventure to find his missing mother. Learn more at https://robertskead.com/
Kate Christensen, writing as Sydney Graves, joins the show this week to talk about her book, “The Arizona Tringle.” Exploring a genre outside of her usual literary fiction, Christensen explores the intersecting impacts of family, trauma, and identity in this mystery thriller. Learn more at https://katechristensen.net/
Recently relocated to Farmington, author Nyajuok Doluony joins the show this week to talk about her memoir, “I am my Mother’s Wildest Dream.” She shares the challenges she faced standing up against cultural norms, family expectations, and mental health crises. Learn more at https://www.iamnyatongyik.com/
New Mexico writers Cynthia Sylvester and Byron Aspaas join the show this week to talk about an upcoming event hosted by NM Writers Rising Writers series. Byron will be leading a conversation with aspiring writers on April 22 from 2-4 pm at San Juan Center for Independence in Farmington. The event is open to all. For more information, visit https://nmwriters.org/rising-writers/
New Mexico author Sage Vogel joins the show this week to talk about his collection of stories, "Dichos en Nichos," published through UNM Press as part of the Querencia Series. The book is a collaboration with his parents Jim and Christen, who created the painting and nichos frames for the project. For more information, visit https://www.sagevogel.com/
Returning to the show this week to talk about her upcoming middle grade verse novel is Albuquerque author Caroline Starr Rose. “The Burning Season” tells the story of 12-year-old Opal as she begins fire lookout training and has to face her biggest fear. Learn more at https://carolinestarrrose.com/
Mark Edward Langley, who splits his time between New Mexico and Indiana, joins the show this week to talk about the third book in his Aurthur Nakai mystery/thriller series, “When Silence Screams,” as well as a new series he is working on. Learn more at https://markedwardlangley.com/
Owners of Quill & Quest Bookstore, which recently opened in Farmington, NM, join the show this week to talk about the opening of the store and their plans for its future. Quill & Quest is located at 218 W. Main St., in Farmington and online at https://shopquillandquest.com/
Arizona-based author Susan Cummins Miller joins the show this week to talk about her newly release historical mystery, “My Bonney Lies Under,” the story of 14-year-old Keridec Rees trying to survive multiple assassination attempts on her trip home from San Francisco. Learn more at http://susancumminsmiller.com/
New Mexico author Paper Robin joins the show this week to talk about her debut fantasy novel, “Knowhere.” The first of a four-book series introduces readers to a realm of magic and secrets.
Utah author Kase Johnstun joins the show this week to talk about his book, “Cast Away,” the story of two immigrants trying to navigate a foreign culture decades apart but learning similar lessons about family, love, and survival. Learn more at https://kasejohnstun.com/
Mary Kendall joins the show again to talk about her newly released historical novels, “The Spinster’s Fortune” and “The Accidental Heiress.” The characters in each book face the revelations of family secrets that have lasting impacts on everyone involved. Learn more at https://www.marykendallauthor.com/
Traci Hales, former host of Write On Four Corners, joins the show this week to talk about the newly released anthology from San Juan Writers, “In the Company of Animals.” The anthology features a wide variety of animals, focusing on themes of how animals interact with and impact humans. Learn more at https://sanjuanwritersgroup.com/.
Senior editor and owner of Artemesia Publishing, based in Albuquerque, talks about the publication of San Juan College theaters students’ plays as well as insights into today’s publishing environment in this episode. Learn more about Artemesia Publishing at https://www.apbooks.net
Intro to Theater students Mariah Romero and Maggie Clark join the show this week to talk about the plays they wrote in class and will produce on December 13th at the Connie Gotsch Theater
Intro to Theater students Tristianne Dorenkamp and Rachael Culpepper join the show this week to talk about the plays they wrote in class and will produce on December 13th at the Connie Gotsch Theater.
Toni Bellon joins the show this week to talk about her upper middle grade novel, “L.E.A.P.,” the story of a young girl trying to figure out how to grow up in the midst of a difficult family situation that offers her little support. Learn more about Bellon’s writing at https://tonibellon.com