Episodes
New Mexico authors Ron Striegel and Jennifer Goodland join the show this week to discuss R.J.’s award-winning debut novel, “Land Shadows,” the story of an Irish immigrant boy who’s complicated life leads him to New Mexico on the heels of a fraudulent land grant. Goodland, who assisted with in-depth research for the novel, discusses the novel’s development and publishing process as well. Learn more at https://www.landshadows.com/
Retired Colorado professor Elissa Guralnick joins the show this week to talk about the 40-year history of a book she co-authored in the 1980s, “The Weighty Word Book,” and its surprising resurgence on TikTok in 2026. Learn more at https://www.unmpress.com/9780826345554/the-weighty-word-book/
Diné author Brian Lee Young joins the show this week to discuss his newest novel, “Shards of Silence,” and the inspiration behind it. This is his debut young adult novel in addition to his middle grade “Water Monster” series. Learn more at https://brianleeyoung.com/
New Mexico author Betsy James joins the show this week to talk about her newest books, a speculative fiction novel called “Practicing to be Lightning,” which explores the impact of an unexpected journey. Learn more at https://betsyjames.com/
Retired social worker and member of the New Mexico Senate Jerry Ortiz y Pino turned his attention to writing historical fiction and joins the show this week to discuss his debut novel, “Beyond the Edge of the Known World.” He will read from his novel and answer questions at Garcia Street Books on Oct. 11, 2026. Learn more at https://bit.ly/47xpNYv
Photographer and documentarian Lynn Adler joins the show this week to talk about her first photobook, “And So We Moved to Petaca,” published through UNM Press. The book shows and tells the story of Adler’s friends who moved to rural New Mexico in the 1970s in search of a simpler life. Adler’s work with be featured at The Lens Photography Gallery in Toas, NM in October and November, with an opening reception Oct. 16, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. Learn more at https://www.lynnadlerphotography.com/
Colorado author Jennifer Prothero joins the show this week to talk about her experience writing, editing, and launching her debut novel, “Hawthorne House.” The book releases Sept. 25, 2026. Learn more at https://www.jenniferprotherobooks.com/
New Mexico-Arizona author Marty Eberhardt returns to the show this week to talk about the latest installment in her Bea Rivers mystery series, “Crime on the Coast,” and the importance of setting in her writing. Learn more at https://martyeberhardt.com/
New Mexico author Bliss Wood joins the show this week to discuss her new book, “Mindfulness: A Do-It Yourself Guide to Inner Peace,” and the benefits of having a mindfulness practice in a chaotic world. Learn more at https://blisswoodvo.com/
Executive director of New Mexico Writers Lisa McCoy joins the show this week to discuss the organizations various programs, including Rising Writers, New Mexico Book Awards, and its grant programs. Upcoming Rising Writers programing includes Jake Skeets Sept. 9 in Gallup, Zach Hively Sept. 30 in El Rito, DelSheree Spinner Oct. 8 in Farmington, Sherri Burr Oct. 10 in Albuquerque, Bram Meehan Oct. 16 in Santa Fe, and Kris Neri Oct. 28 in Silver City. Learn more at https://nmwriters.org/
New Mexico author Marie Parks joins the show this weeks to discuss her new book “Flightless” and how she developed both her characters and the unique world they live in. Learn more at https://www.marieparks.com/
Zach Hively, founder of Casa Urraca Press in Abiquiú, New Mexico, joins the show this week to talk about the press’s mission to elevate local voices and new books releasing this fall. Learn more at https://casaurracapress.com/
New Mexico authors Paul J. Knight and Chris Allen join the show this week to talk about their novel, “The Music of Creation,” their research for the book and their focus on character development. Learn more at https://www.themusicofcreation.com/
Albuquerque author Ty Bannerman joins the show this week to talk about his memoir, “Nuclear Family: A Memoir of the Atomic West.” He discusses how he blended historical information with the story of how his family was impacted by their involvement with nuclear development in New Mexico. Learn more at http://www.tybannerman.com/
Kathryn Berla joins the show this week to discuss her newest book, “John Doe Does Not Suck,” a noir mystery with struggling 317-year-old vampire who gets drawn into a serial killer investigation. The book was recently published by New Mexico publisher Artemesia Publishing. Learn more at https://www.kathrynberlabooks.com/
Utah author Meredith Wargo joins the show this week to discuss her debut book “DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them.” The nonfiction account tells the story of how Diane Trull and her fourth grade students started an animal sanctuary to rescue animals in need. Learn more at https://meredithwargo.com/
Returning to the show this week is Orlando Davidson. In this episode he talks about his newest crime novel, the second book in his Jimmy Sommes series, “North of Foothill,” a recent release from New Mexico publisher Artemesia Publishing. Learn more at https://www.orlandodavidsonauthor.com/
New Mexico author Scott Archer Jones returns to the show this week to discuss his award-winning novel “The Moth.” He shares about his writing process, particularly for crafting characters and dialogue that resonate with readers. Learn more at https://www.archerjonesscott.com/
Arizona author Mark Plets joins the show this week to talk about his historical fiction novel, “Kelly: A Tale of Oulde Ireland,” his inspiration, and his writing process. Learn more at https://www.theworldismydesk.com/
Farmington, NM author Douglas Joslin joins the show this week to discuss his debut novel, “A Sky Full of Color,” a military fantasy inspired by many aspects of his family and life.
Missouri author Kim Quertz will be hosting a writing workshop June 12 at 4:40 pm at Quill & Quest Bookstore. On this week’s episode, Kim discusses the workshop and her writing journey. Learn more at https://www.kswuertz.com/
Karen McCoy returns to the show this week to discuss the audiobook creation of her middle grade novel, “The Etiquette of Voles.” The discusses the production process and lessons learned along the way. Learn more at https://www.karenbmccoy.com/
Durango, CO author Scott Graham returns to the show this week to talk about his newest book, “Great Sand Dunes Massacre,” the tenth book in his Nation Parks Mystery series. Learn more at https://www.scottfranklingraham.com/
Author Tim Weed joins the show again to talk about his upcoming sophomore novel, “The Gatepost,” the story of a woman’s journey to discover the truth behind her father’s disappearance. Tim discusses his inspirations for the story, research methods, and writing process in this episode. Learn more at https://timweed.net/
Laura Paskus, editor of “Water Bodies: Love Letters to the Most Abundant Substance on Earth,” joins the show this week to talk about the process of working with contributing authors and of her inspiration for exploring personal connections to water. Learn more at https://www.laurapaskus.com/
Author and entrepreneur Sean Gerrity joins the show this week to talk about his new book, “Wild on Purpose: The American Prairie Story and the Art of Thinking Bigger,” out from Utah publisher Torrey House Press. The book chronicles not only the efforts the built American Prairie, but how Gerrity’s life experiences led him to the project and the perspective that has served him throughout his life and career. Learn more at https://www.theanswersareouttherepodcast.net/
Author, public historian, and tour guide in Santa Fe Garrett Peck joins the show this week to discuss his new book, “Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and her Archbishop.” Peck’s research into Cather’s travels to the Southwest gives context and insight in how “Death Comes for the Archbishop” came to be. Learn more at https://www.garrettpeck.com/
Colorado author Mark Stevens joins the podcast this week to talk about his new release, “Two Truths and a Lie,” the second book in his Flynn Martin thriller series, which debuted with “No Lie Lasts Forever.” Stevens will also be in the Farmington area May 2 to speak at Quill & Quest Bookstore about taking a long view of a publishing career. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at https://www.writermarkstevens.com/
Returning to the show this week is author Paul Semendinger, discussing the first book in his series about West Point graduates who fought at Gettysburg. The book, “West Point at Gettysburg - Volume 1: A to G,” details each soldier’s history and contributions to the battle. Learn more at https://drpaulsem.com/
Utah author Monté Hill joins the show this week to discuss her debut novel, “Catbird Winter,” a historical fiction story set in the time of World War I in North Carolina. Monté discusses her inspiration for the story and the editing process that brought it to its current form. Learn more at https://montehillauthor.com/