The Premise

Kelly Conroy - Author, Duck Scientist, Rally Racer

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the inspiring Kelly Conroy, a writer and matrescens educator, to discuss her debut book, Your Mom Races Rally. Kelly shares her journey of navigating motherhood, grappling with societal expectations, and ultimately embracing her passion for rally racing. Through vulnerability and humor, she recounts her experiences of overcoming shame and fear, and how they fueled her desire to pursue something uniquely her own. This episode explores the intersections of motherhood, personal growth, and the unexpected joys found in the thrill of motorsports. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates resilience, community, and the transformative power of fun.

Emma Grey - Bestselling Author "Start at the End"

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome author Emma Gray, whose latest book, Start at the End, delves into the complexities of grief, love, and the beauty of life. Emma shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, including the profound impact of losing her husband. Join us as we explore the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the 'what if' scenarios that shape our lives. This heartfelt conversation is a journey through the messiness of life and the hope that can emerge from it.

Annabelle Gurwitch - Author "The End of My Life is Killing Me"

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad talk to author, activist, and former Dinner and a Movie host, Annabelle Gurwitch about her latest book, The End Of My Life Is Killing Me. It’s a cancer memoir, and—spoiler alert—she lives.

The End Of My Life Is Killing Me is not your typical cancer survivor story, and though there is abundant humor, she doesn’t attribute her survival to the power of positive thinking.

Instead of dramatically seizing the day, Annabelle decided to approach life by examining the small moments and taking opportunities as they came. One such opportunity, which they discuss in detail, was going on a European tour as a merch girl for a heavy metal band. They also discuss the wellness industry, and magical thinking, her volunteer work, and how her book cover, which she imagined having a Daphne and Apollo theme, ended up featuring a baby chick doing yoga.

You don’t want to miss this delightfully funny and insightful episode. There’s even a Muppet-y bonus at the outro.

You can find out more about Annabelle and buy The End Of My Life is Kiling Me, and her other books on her website. www.annabellegurwitch.com

Janell Strube - Author - Adélaïde Painter of the Revolution

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Author Grant Ginder - So Old, So Young

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this exciting live episode of the Premise host Jennifer Thompson welcomes acclaimed author Grant Ginder to discuss his latest novel, "So Old, So Young." They delve into the intricacies of storytelling, the evolution of friendships, and the passage of time as depicted through a series of parties over two decades. Tune in as Grant shares his writing process, the challenges he faced while crafting his book, and the importance of capturing the essence of life’s messy beauty. Don't miss this engaging conversation!

Bridget Crocker - Author The River's Daughter

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:27:30 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Bridget Crocker, an inspiring author and trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. They discuss Bridget's memoir, "The River's Daughter," which beautifully intertwines her experiences with water, family dynamics, and personal growth. Join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, the healing power of nature, and the journey of forgiveness. Don't miss this captivating episode!

Katie Brooks - Buona Pasta Club

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we embark on a delightful culinary journey as our guest shares a unique experience of making pasta at 30,000 feet. Discover the art of pasta-making, including tips on achieving the perfect consistency and keeping the dough hydrated. Join us for a light-hearted discussion about creativity in unexpected places and how to turn a stressful situation into a relaxing one.

Ryan ZumMallen - Publisher - Carrara Media

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

There's riches in the niches!
Jeniffer and Chad talk publishing and cars with Ryan ZumMallen founder/publisher/editor of Carrara Media.

Paula McLain NYT Bestselling Author - Skylark

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Jeniffer Thompson welcome celebrated author Paula McLain to discuss her latest novel Skylark, which explores the intertwining stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Set against the backdrop of Paris and its hidden underground tunnels, McLain shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the significance of storytelling in times of distress. Join us for an enlightening conversation about resilience, beauty, and the power of words.

Caitlin Rother - New York Times bestselling author - Hooked

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome acclaimed author Caitlin Rother to discuss her latest thriller, Hooked, the first in a new series featuring investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and homicide detective Ken Good. Caitlin shares her journey from investigative journalism to fiction writing, touching on themes of ethics, corruption, and the changing landscape of journalism. Join us as we explore the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the challenges of the publishing world.

Bonnie Comfort - Author - Staying Married is the Hardest Part

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 29 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Deb Rudell - Author of Grit & Grace: The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 15 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In this captivating episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Deborah Rudell, a college professor and author, who shares her remarkable journey of transformation in her memoir, Grit and Grace: The Transformation of a Ship and Soul. Join us as Deborah recounts her experiences building a sailboat, navigating the tumultuous waters of life, and exploring her spiritual path. Discover how two intertwined narratives—her physical journey at sea and her spiritual awakening—come together in a profound exploration of grit, grace, and self-discovery.

Judy Reeves - Author - When Your Heart Says Go

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 08 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad welcome the talented Judy Reeves to discuss her poignant memoir, When Your Heart Says Go. Judy shares her journey of grief, travel, and self-discovery, exploring how writing can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions. With heartfelt insights and beautiful prose, Judy reflects on her experiences and the connections she made along the way, inviting listeners to embrace their own stories and the magic of writing.

Richard T. Williams - Unlocking the Secrets of Book Distribution!

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In this exciting episode, we welcome Richard T. Williams, Vice President of Business Development at Independent Publishers Group (IPG), to discuss the ins and outs of book distribution. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities for small publishers and indie authors in today’s evolving market. From the importance of understanding target audiences to the realities of distribution models, Richard shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience in the publishing industry. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that dives into the good, the bad, and the ugly of book distribution!

Richard T. Williams is the Vice President, Business Development, at IPG, where he oversees new and existing business for the IPG distribution program, as well as for clients seeking extended publishing services and licensing opportunities. He is a former sales manager at IPG, the former director of the Small Press United program, and was once an operations manager at an independent publisher, where he earned firsthand experience on the publishing side.

Dennis James Sweeney - Author - Teacher

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the insightful author Dennis James Sweeney to discuss his book, How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses. Dennis shares his journey through the often daunting process of getting published, emphasizing the importance of community and personal connections in the literary world. With practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes, he inspires writers to embrace their unique paths to publication. Don't miss this conversation filled with empathy, creativity, and actionable insights!

In this episode, we talk about Dennis's wife (also a writer) Thirii Myo Kyaw Myint—you can learn more about her work here.

Susan Casey - Adventurer- Author of The Underworld

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer speaks with Susan Casey, adventurer and author, via Warwick’s to talk about her experiences studying, observing and interacting with the mysterious deep ocean.

Since 2005, Susan has been writing about subjects such as giant waves and those who chase them and the creatures that live in the depths beneath them in an approachable and captivating way.

In this episode she discusses not only her experience in this largely alien world, and the life that inhabits it, but also the implications of exploring it.

This is a must listen for anyone who is curious, in search of wonder, and wanting to learn more about the profound importance of this largely unexplored part of our world.

Susan is the author of The Devil’s Teeth, Voices in the Ocean, The Wave, and others. Her latest book is The Underworld: Journeys To The Depths Of The Ocean.

Susan’s website: https://susancasey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanlcasey/

Keith Rosson author of Fever House and Devil by Name

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Keith Rosson is a living testament to how hard work and taking the long road can pay off. He’s the author of several novels, and the award-winning short story collection, Folk Songs For Trauma Surgeons, all published through Meerkat Press. His latest novels, Fever House and The Devil By Name, are published through Random House. And he got an endorsement from Stephen King! No big deal, right?

Though this recent duology is in the horror genre, these novels are character-driven and contain crime thriller elements and punk rock vibes, leaving them almost undefinable. Genre-defying, some may say.

Keith talks to Jeniffer and Chad about his rise into the world of the Big Five and the differences between working with a huge publisher vs a small press. They discuss negotiations, marketing, and the work that goes into all of it. He tells them about how he developed his characters and his writing process, and how punk rock and the city of Portland shaped his vision.

If you like horror, crime fiction, punk rock, or just a good success story, you’ll love this episode.

You can find out more about Keith and buy his books through the links below.

Keith’s Website: https://www.keithrosson.com/

Instagram: @rossonkeith

Twitter/X: @keith_rosson

Patty Lin - Author - End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood - Writer: Freaks and Geeks, Friends, Desperate Housewives, and Breaking Bad

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Patty Lin was a successful television writer for hit shows from Friends and Desperate Housewives to Freaks and Geeks and Breaking Bad. Many people dream of this. She dreamed of it. But Patty was trapped in a sunk cost fallacy. She wanted out.

She finally did get out and now has a memoir, entitled, End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood.

This episode was recorded live at the San Diego Writers Festival and Patty talks to Jeniffer about the difference between writing for yourself and writing for Hollywood and how she ended up doing both. She also gives her opinion on whether she thinks the industry has changed, or ever will.

Bonus: There’s a Q&A with the festival crowd at the end.

https://www.pattylin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/virtualpattylin

Susan Lieu - Playwright - Author of The Manicurist’s Daughter

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Despite the darker topics of generational trauma and tragic, unnecessary death, this episode is humorous, quirky, and full of energy. This is likely because the guest, Susan Lieu, is so fun. She is also a performer, public speaker, playwright and Harvard graduate!
She talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter, which explores her and her family's experience as Vietnamese refugees navigating 1980's California, and processing the death of her mother through the lens of the American dream.

https://www.tiktok.com/@susanlieuofficial
https://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial/
https://www.susanlieu.me/
https://www.instagram.com/susanlieu/

Matt Coyle - Author of the Rick Cahill Series

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In another San Diego Writers Festival-related episode, Jeniffer talks with local San Diego author, Matt Coyle. He shares his process in character and story building and discusses his Rick Cahill series. He also talks about his inspiration for wanting to write Crime fiction. If you're a fan of his work or just Crime fiction in general, you won't want to miss his insights on the genre.

Matt's Bio
Matt Coyle is the bestselling author of the Rick Cahill crime series. His books have won the Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, Ben Franklin Silver, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Silver, and San Diego Book Awards, and have accrued nominations for the Macavity, Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, WRONG LIGHT, his latest novel and came out in December and has been nominated for the Lefty Award and been named a Bookreporter.com Top Pick for 2018. Matt lives in San Diego with his yellow Lab, Angus, where he is writing the sixth Rick Cahill novel.

https://mattcoylebooks.com/
https://x.com/coylem
https://www.instagram.com/mcoyle044/
https://www.facebook.com/matt.coyle.77
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1248617.Matt_Coyle

John Jennings - Author - The Uncertainty Solution: How to Invest with Confidence in the Face of the Unknown

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

John Jennings is the author of The Uncertainty Solution, which is a book on investing. But it’s anything but boring. It’s actually super entertaining and insightful, much like John himself. He also did everything you’re supposed to if your goal is to write a nonfiction book to build your brand.

First, he wrote on a topic that sells, and has a unique point of view.

But where he really excelled was in his process: He had a purpose and intent. He made sure he had a quality product. He takes advantage of marketing opportunities. He’s written, and plans to write, other books. He’s published articles. He has a popular blog. The list goes on…

This episode will entertain you even if you’re not interested in investing and finance. It also works as a roadmap to follow if you want to succeed in writing a book to build your brand.

John's website, where you can find his book, his blog, and many other things a good author website will have: https://johnmjennings.com/

Téa Obreht - Author The Morningside, Inland, The Tiger's Wife

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jeniffer speaks with Téa Obreht at Warwick's Books. If you're a fan of her other novels, you'll love listening to Téa read a passage from her latest, The Morningside. She talks with Jeniffer about what inspired her to write it, and all the details about how it came about too. Téa also shares details about her writing process and what it all means to her.

Swan Huntley - Author - I Want You More and You're Grounded: An Anti-Self-Help Book to Calm You the F*ck Down

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 02:45:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad chat with Swan Huntley about her latest novel, I Want You More. The novel follows Zara Pine, a ghostwriter who becomes absorbed into the life of a celebrity chef over a summer in East Hampton. It's a tale of love, mystery, and the complexities of losing oneself in a relationship.

Swan shares the inspiration behind the novel, her unique writing process, and how she transforms her observations and ideas into intriguing narratives. Whether you're a fan of Huntley's or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of book writing, this episode is a must-listen!

Bio: Swan Huntley is the author of the novels Getting Clean With Stevie Green, The Goddesses, and We Could Be Beautiful. She is also the writer and illustrator of the journal-style mini-tomes The Bad Mood Book and You’re Grounded (Summer 2024). Swan earned an MFA at Columbia University and has received fellowships from MacDowell and Yaddo, where she was the 2019 recipient of The LeSage-Fullilove Residency. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Instagram: @swanhuntley Twitter: @swanhuntley

Facebook: @swanhuntley

Website: www.swanhuntley.com

Zibby Owens - Founder of the Zibby Media empire, book influencer and author of Blank

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:46:00 -0700

Zibby Owens is truly a book lover. So much so that she has a book empire of sorts. She owns a bookstore in Santa Monica, started a publishing house, and founded Zibby Media. She also hosts the podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and is an author herself.

Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about all this, her novel, Blank, and how she has time to do it all!

Zibby's Website

Anastasia Zadeik & Bethanne Patrick - Writing Through Darkness: Mental Health Narratives

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:45:00 -0700

In this episode of The Premise, Jennifer and Chad talk with Anastasia Zadeik, author of the novel The Other Side of Nothing, and Bethanne Patrick, memoirist of Life B, to explore their nuanced experiences of dealing with and writing about mental health issues through their respective works. Anastasia discusses how her inspiration was drawn from personal family experiences and the intricate research that shaped her novel, while Bethanne opens up about her journey with double depression and the importance of finding the right diagnosis and treatment.

The episode showcases the honesty and compassion in both authors' narratives, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing about such sensitive topics, the intersection of personal and fictional storytelling, and the vital need for both education on the topic and for support systems to be put in place.

Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or are seeking to broaden your perspective, this discussion is a must-listen.

Bethanne Patrick's Website
Anastasia Zadeik's Website

Tommy Orange - Beyond the Pages: Exploring Identity and Inheritance

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 28 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jennifer sits down at Warwick's Books with Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Tommy Orange. He is the author of There There, and most recently, Wandering Stars. Tommy is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and writes about the contemporary Native American landscape.

Tommy shares insights into his writing practice, the challenges of balancing life as a father with his creative pursuits, and the profound influence music has on his craft. The title, Wandering Stars, was actually inspired by Portishead lyrics.
You'll find his discussion on identity, representation, and the nuanced experience of being a Native American in contemporary society both enlightening and moving.

Tommy also speaks about the future of his writing and hints that an original screenplay and a third novel are in the works. This episode is not just an interview; it's a masterclass in the power that fiction holds in shaping our understanding and empathy. It's a testament to Tommy Orange's unique voice in American literature.

Belo Cipriani - Oleb Books - Digital Inclusion Strategist, Author, and Teacher

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this first episode of the fifth season Jeniffer and Chad welcome Belo Cipriani for his second interview with them. This episode was timed to air on Global Accessibility Awareness Day because Belo is not only an author and advocate but a digital inclusion strategist.

This conversation will expose you to just how much the lack of accessibility is hidden from those that don’t require it. You’ll learn a lot!

Belo also talks about all the ways the world is becoming more accessible and what he’s doing to help with that.

https://olebacademy.com/
https://olebbooks.com/
https://belocipriani.com/

Alice Hoffman - Author The Invisible Hour

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Jeniffer is joined via Warwick’s Books by prolific writer Alice Hoffman. Hoffman is most known for her book, Practical Magic, which was made into a film of the same name. The Invisible Hour is her latest novel and she talks about how it came about. You’ll learn how her own past has informed the stories she tells, and how that shapes the women that populate her fiction. You’ll also learn a little bit of history and discover how it can repeat itself.

Smith Publicity

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0700

The guests so nice, we had them twice! Because their last episode was one our most listened to, Dan and Sandy from Smith Publicity are back. They share inside information on the publishing world and discuss the new tools and processes that have come about in the changing digital landscape of the industry.
Learn more about Smith Publicity here.

Sophie Mackintosh - Author - Cursed Bread

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Sophie Mackintosh’s debut novel, The Water Cure, was nominated for the 2018 Man Booker Prize. Now, her latest novel, Cursed Bread, inspired by a mass poisoning that actually happened, has been nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. She’s a writer who uses similar themes, and she’s realized she has a style. In this episode she talks with Jeniffer via Warwick’s Books about that, her process in writing Cursed Bread, and more.

https://www.warwicks.com/book/9780385548304

Shelby Stanger - Journalist, Speaker, Podcaster, Adventurer TEDxSanDiego Speaker

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Shelby Stanger is another podcaster, author, and big adventurer. Truly. She adventures for a living pretty much. And she inspires others to find their own adventure through her journalism, podcasting, and now her book! Will to Wild was just released on June 6th and she came to talk about it with Jeniffer and Chad. Get ready to be inspired to be a little more fearless and maybe get adventurous!
Find out more about Shelby and buy her book below.
https://shelbystanger.com/
https://shelbystanger.com/will-to-wild

KishaLynn Moore Elliott - Author - TEDxSanDiego speaker

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Words are KishaLynn Elliot’s superpower. She uses that superpower to tell stories, educate, and inspire. She’s an author, speaker and Vice President of Operations and Evaluation at The Monarch School. She’s also a 2023 TEDxSanDiego speaker on Education.

She talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her work and her mission to educate and empower unhoused youth and more. You can see her speak virtually(in-person tickets are sold out) at TEDxSanDiego on June 11th, 2023.

https://www.childishthebook.com/
https://blaac.life/

https://monarchschools.org/

https://www.tedxsandiego.com/

Jesse Leon - Author TEDx Speaker

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Jesse Leon is a San Diegan, TED X speaker, Harvard graduate, consultant and survivor. Jeniffer speaks to him about his memoir, I’m Not Broken, and the story of his past that it covers. Jesse is the embodiment of resilience and living proof that you can come out on the other side not just unbroken but thriving.
https://www.jesseleon-author.com/

Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D. - Author - Frazzlebrain

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 11 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Gina Simmons Schneider, PhD, is a Psychotherapist and expert in coping skills. And she used this expertise to write a book about dealing with the common anxieties and stressors we all face in the modern world. Listen to her speak with Jeniffer and Chad about Frazzlebrain and maybe learn a thing or two.

https://frazzlebrain.com/
https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781949481624

Cecile Pin - Author - Wandering Souls

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 04 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

This episode comes to you via Warwick’s Books. Jeniffer speaks with the author of Wandering Souls, Cecile Pin. Her much praised debut novel was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023, and she’s been compared to Joan Didion by Kirkus Review.

Wandering Souls tells a story, inspired by Cecile’s own family’s experiences, of the struggles of immigrating to the UK in the aftermath of the Vietnam war. Cecile talks about her writing process, the personal parts of her novel coming together, and where she got the intriguing title—it’s a bit harrowing. She also shares how, despite the setting and circumstances, it’s a story, ultimately, of hope.

https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781250863461

Madhushree Ghosh - Author - Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

San Diego author, social justice activist, and Pushcart nominee Madhushree Gosh is today’s guest. She talks with Jeniffer and Chad not only about her book, Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family, but food and the politics around it, and politics in general. You may come away believing that we need less talking and more eating if we want to solve the world’s problems.

https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781609388232

Susanna Hoffs - The Bangles, Author- This Bird Has Flown

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

For all you Gen X folks out there, this week's guest doesn't really need an introduction. Because she's Susanna Hoffs! But did you know Susanna is also an author? Jeniffer talks to Susanna about her book, This Bird Has Flown, via Warwick's Books.

Buy Now

Walter Green - Founder - Say it Now Movement

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Walter Green is a man on a mission. He’s the author of, This Is The Moment, a mentor, lecturer and is involved in many nonprofits. He’s all about gratitude.

His philosophy is that if you have something to say, why wait? Say it NOW. Listen to Walter explain what that means and how he came about this idea and its subsequent movement. You’re in for an inspiring and illuminating story.

https://www.justsayitnow.org/

True Crime Author Deborah Holt Larkin

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad are joined by guest Deborah Larkin. Deborah is the author of A Lovely Girl. The novel is part true crime drama, part memoir. Because Deborah was there at the time the crime and subsequent trial took place, seeing it all through the eyes of a ten year old. Oh, and her father was the court reporter!

She tells Jeniffer about her writing process, the details of the ripped-from-the-headlines story, and how this unique book all came together.

Author Tom Rob Smith talks about his novel Cold People

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Tom Rob Smith speaks with Jeniffer via Warwick’s books about his latest novel, Cold People. Tom is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and creator of the Child 44 trilogy. In this episode they discuss how he crafted the world of Cold People and blurring the lines of what constitutes Science Fiction. There’s talk of made up food and drink, love at first sight, and the characters that inhabit the world of the book and situations they face within it. There’s also a Q&A at the end, so stick around to find out answers to reader and listener questions.

Laura Cathcart Robbins - Author - Stash: My Life in Hiding

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Laura Cathcart Robbins is back! Laura has been on The Premise before to talk about her own podcast, The Only One in the Room. You can check it out here. In this episode she’s here to talk about her memoir, Stash: My Life in Hiding.
Laura talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her writing process, and how she got published. She also talks about the events in the book and reads a passage. She's got that part down, because she also read for the audio version of her own book!
Fun Fact: Laura an Advisory Board member for, and participant in, the San Diego Writers Festival.

Here's the official book description for the curious:
After years of hiding her addiction from everyone-from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to elaborately scheduling withdrawals between PTA meetings, baby showers, and tennis matches-Laura Cathcart Robbins settles into a complicated purgatory.

She learns the hard way that privilege doesn't protect you from pain. Facing divorce, the possibility of a grueling custody battle, and internalized racism, Robbins wonders just how much more she can take.

Now, with courage and candid openness, she reveals how she managed to begin the long journey towards sobriety and unexpectedly finding new love. Robbins harrowingly illustrates taking down the wall she built around herself brick by brick and what it means to be Black in a startingly white world. With its raw, finely crafted, and engaging prose, Stash is the story of just how badly the facade she created had to shatter before Laura could reconnect to her true self.

Mike Rothschild - Author - The Storm is Upon Us

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Mark is an expert on the wacky world of conspiracies and bunk science, but his background is in theater, which is apropos since today’s conspiracies are absolutely theater! He tells Jeniffer how his interest in conspiracy theories all started with Art Bell’s late night radio show and just grew from there. They do a deep dive into the QAnon conspiracy, what it’s all about, where it started, the true believers that support and promote it, and just how dangerous this absolutely bats**t crazy conspiracy has become.

Suzanne Allain - Author/Screenwriter Mr. Malcolm's List

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Suzanne is another writer who was working in an entirely different field before she decided to take a chance and try her hand at something she’d always wanted to do. She shares the story of that journey with Jeniffer and Chad, and offers some good advice for aspiring writers. She’s living proof that with talent and perseverance it’s totally possible to write successful novels and do big things like breaking into the world of screenwriting—and having your script optioned for a movie!

Mona Awad - Author - All's Well

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Although there’s an obvious nod to Shakespeare in All’s Well, the protagonist of Awad’s latest novel was inspired by her own experience with pain and her feelings about being ignored and not taken seriously.

She talks with Jeniffer about how that experience informed her latest novel, the characters she created, and how and why she chose the setting for this particular story.

And of course, there’s discussion of the author’s writing process and how it all came together to create the full story.

Authors Eve Chase & Rosie Walsh

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Eve and Rosie both get a chance to discuss their writing processes, note the similarities and differences, and realize there’s really no wrong way to write. There are also similarities between their books. They’re both about family and relationships, the settings loom large, and they both question how well we really know those close to us.

If you’re a fan of peeking into the writer’s process and love details on the genesis of ideas, and how stories are shaped, you’re going to love this episode. And if you like lovely British accents then you’ll really be happy.

Anastasia Zadeik - Author Blurred Fates

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to the page, stage, and screen. She serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival and sits on the board of the literary non-profit So Say We All. She regularly performs in narrative non-fiction showcases, and her work has appeared in The San Diego Decameron Project, The Literary Vine Review, and Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir. She lives in San Diego with her husband and their empty-nest rescue dog, Charlie. Blurred Fates is her first novel.

Website
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Jane Friedman - Editor of The Hot Sheet

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Jane Friedman about how she got started doing what she does. And she does a lot! Mostly, she’s an expert on the publishing industry and a guide for helping authors understand it.

You’ll learn a lot of valuable information in this one. And because this podcast is actually pretty fun, you’ll also get to hear their opinions on fonts, artistry, Amazon and where the industry is headed. Jeniffer also gets Jane to open up a bit about weird jobs and bourbon preferences.

Website
The Hot Sheet
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Laura L. Engel - Author - You'll Forget This Ever Happened

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0700

On Wednesday, May 18th at 7:30pm Warwick's hosted Laura L. Engel as she discussed her new book, You'll Forget This Ever Happened: Secrets, Shame, and Adoption in the 1960s.

Laura L. Engel is originally hails from Biloxi, Mississippi but moved to San Diego, California over fifty years ago. In 2015 she retired from a thirty-five-year career in the corporate world with plans to quietly catch up on hobbies and travel with her husband, Gene. Within a year an unexpected miracle took: her firstborn son - the child she'd been forced to relinquish to adoption in 1967 - found her. After that, Laura stopped guarding her painful secret and started telling the world about the miracle of meeting her son. Laura is currently President of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association. She is also an active member of the International Women's Writing Guild and a member of San Diego Writers Ink, San Diego Writer's Festival, and SD Writers and Editors Guild. She has five adult children and ten cherished grandchildren.

Are you still a mother even if you have not raised your child? Can the mother/child bond survive years of separation? How deep is the damage caused by buried family secrets and shame? Engel asks herself these and many other questions as she becomes acquainted with the son she never knew, and seeks the acceptance and forgiveness she has long denied herself. Full of both aching sadness and soaring joy, You'll Forget This Ever Happened is a shocking exposé of a shameful part of our country's recent past - and a poignant tale of a mother's enduring love.

Website
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Mark Gottlieb - Literary Agent - Trident Media Group

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 31 May 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Mark talks with Jeniffer and Chad about his long history in the publishing world, his point of view as a current agent for one of the top literary agencies, and how he’s facilitating transparency in the industry.

He also gives some advice to Jeniffer about her own processes and a ton of tips on everything from pitching to your hook.

Read his full bio below!

BIO:

Mark Gottlieb is a highly ranked literary agent, both in overall deals and other individual categories. Using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers, he is actively building his client list of authors. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. Through his work at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb continues to represent numerous New York Times bestselling authors, as well as major award-winning authors, and has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department, in addition to working in foreign rights. In his free time, Mark Gottlieb tutors free English language classes to adults from low-income immigrant families, via the Literacy Volunteers program at Family Centers, a nonprofit organization offering education, health and human services. He is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looks forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.

https://twitter.com/mark_gottlieb

https://www.facebook.com/MarkGottliebLiteraryAgent/

https://www.instagram.com/markgottliebliteraryagent/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgottliebliteraryagent/

Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - Author of The Nest and Good Company - Live at Warwick's Books

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 17 May 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Cynthia’s second novel, Good Company, had the misfortune of coming out in the midst of the pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped its success! It just delayed some interviews a bit. Like this one.

In Good Company, she writes about family, marriage, and friendship and the nature of those relationships as they build over time. She tells Jeniffer about what inspired her characters, and how much of that inspiration came from her real life experiences living in both Los Angeles and New York.

She also discusses her writing process, how walking is part of that, and even a bit about the book she’s currently working on. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone!

Fans will also be happy to learn that her acclaimed first novel, The Nest, is currently in development for a limited series by AMC.

Buy The Book
https://cynthia-sweeney.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaDAprixSweeney/
https://twitter.com/CynthiaDSweeney
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiadsweeney/

How to get your books into bookstores - Warwick's Book Buyers

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 05 May 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad chat with Warwick’s Director of Events, Julie Slavinsky and Book Buyer, Adrian Newell. They share insider knowledge and some fun anecdotes from their collective 45 years of experience in the industry.

They uncover some long-held secrets of how books are chosen, how they end up in stores, and the role of book stores in an author's success.

You’ll learn a bit of history on self-publishing, get a peek into the “Big Five” and other traditional publishing consortiums—And discover how much is still shrouded in mystery, even for those on the inside.

IT IS possible to get your indie book into popular book stores, you just have to know what it takes…and it takes a lot. But Julie and Adrian's invaluable tips will give you a leg up!

https://www.warwicks.com/

Joe Ide Talks His Latest Novel - The Goodbye Coast

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Joe Ide’s latest novel is a departure from his IQ series. The Goodbye Coast puts Raymond Chandler’s classic detective protagonist, Philip Marlowe, into our modern world. Which Dennis Lehane calls,”Not so much a reimagining of Chandler’s world but a reinvigorating”.

Joe’s first novel in his IQ series has been optioned for a TV series, and he tells Jeniffer about that process, and why he decided to risk writing a novel using a beloved character invented by the godfather of crime fiction. He also tells how he imagined Marlow in the modern Los Angeles, with modern, and very LA characters—and the fun he had doing it.

https://www.joeide.com/
https://twitter.com/JoeIdeTweets

Adrienne Brodeur - Award Winning Author of Wild Game

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Wild Game details Adrienne being brought into her mother’s secret adult world at the age of fourteen, and the years that followed as she took her place as her confidant and co-conspirator. Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about what it was like to bring her story to life, the struggles she encountered while doing so, and the insights she gained along the way.

When telling a story of your life, and people you love and the ways they amaze and hurt you, it’s a delicate balance. Adrienne relied on a quote from Vivian Gornick to guide her:

“...For the drama to deepen, we must see the loneliness of the monster and the cunning of the innocent…”

https://www.adriennebrodeur.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.brodeur
https://www.instagram.com/adriennebrodeur/

Swan Huntley - Author of Getting Clean With Stevie Green + The Goddesses + We Could Be Beautiful

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Stevie Green is an organizing and decluttering guru whose own life is a total mess, which makes her relatable. And if her character seems very real, maybe it’s because Getting Clean With Stevie Green is the first novel Swan Huntley loosely based on her own experiences in La Jolla, California.

Swan and Jeniffer talk about the process of writing her third novel, from the inspiration for the characters, and the humorous tone, to choosing to tell the story from several points of view, despite her reservations.

Rick Ridgeway Author of Life Lived Wild, Environmentalist, Adventurer

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0800

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad speak with Rick about his book, Life Lived Wild, and how it’s more than just a memoir of his adventures. Rick explains how each memory is intentionally linked to not just his experience, but to the significance of our impact on our environment.

There are fun and thrilling tales exchanged and also some serious talk about what we can do to change the course of our future and care for our planet.

Lee Wind - Author of Red and Green and Blue and White

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0800

As you may guess from the title, the delightful children's book Lee recently wrote is about holiday magic and the ways the holidays are celebrated. As per usual, Lee has focused Red and Green and Blue and White on youth and diversity. Jeniffer talks with Lee about this lovingly crafted picture book, his inspiration, and how he puts his personal experience into his writing. Lee also reads from his book, and if you catch the original video of their conversation you can catch a glimpse of it!

Website
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TikTok
Facebook
Twitter

Peter Heller discusses his new book, The Guide

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 03:00:00 -0700

It's not surprising that Peter Heller is able to bring elements of suspense to his latest thriller novel, The Guide. After all, he's quite the adventurer himself, with a whole bevy of stories and experiences to draw from. Though The Guide is fiction, it's setting is very real, and he's often asked if the characters he creates are modeled after himself. Peter shares some of his own real-life adventures with Jeniffer, and you'll learn how and why his thriller novel set within a nature adventure came to be.

Buy From Warwicks

Marlena Fiol & Ed O'Connor Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Called is a novel about fighting for what you believe in, no matter the cost. And though this particular version is fiction, it’s based very much in reality. Author, Marlena Fiol is the daughter of the John Schmidt of the book, and had previously written about her experiences in the form of memoir. But this time, it’s told from an outside perspective—there’s just a lot of material here! A Mennonite Missionary. His devoted wife. The other woman. WWII. A leper colony in the Peruvian Jungle. And the man who revolutionizes Leprosy treatment, all to change the world for the better. But even heroes have their flaws...

Website

How to Pitch a Literary Agent with Elise Capron

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Check out the San Diego Writers Festival
July 17 and July 31 (2 full days) it's virtual and free on Facebook here
sandiegowritersfestival.com

Scott Myers - Screenwriter (K-9, Alaska) Black List screenwriting blog

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Scott Meyers is a cornucopia of knowledge of screenwriting and he helps others learn it via classes at DePaul University, his workshops, and his highly acclaimed blog on the subject, Go Into The Story. He talks with Jeniffer and Chad about how, like many other creative folks, he came to screenwriting in a round about way. It’s because of this, maybe, that he’s really good at giving practical advice for aspiring screenwriters. If you want straight forward and valuable tips and guidance, Scott Meyers is your guy. He’s also a great follow on Twitter!

Eric Nguyen - Author Things We Lost to the Water

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Things We Lost to the Water is Eric Nguyen’s first novel, but you would never know by reading it. It’s a multilayered, beautifully written story of the immigrant experience through the eyes of one family, all living a slightly different reality in their new home of New Orleans. And then Hurricane Katrina happens…

Eric tells Jeniffer about what inspired him to write his novel, why he chose the setting he chose, and how the novel developed into the story of the three individuals and their unique perspectives, while also being a view into the family as a whole and how those bonds survive despite it all.

Mike Ayers - Author One Last Song

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 18 May 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad talk with Journalist Mike Ayers about how he came up with the idea for his book, One Last Song, and how asking such a specific, and maybe slightly morbid question opened up people to telling so much about themselves. They also discuss how music is powerful, universal and definitive in our lives. And, of course you'll get to hear all of their last songs of choice.

Chris Bohjalian - Bestselling Author Hour of the Witch

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 11 May 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Chris describes his novel as suspense; a slow burn. But it’s much more than that. Jeniffer and Chris talk about what went into crafting his historical thriller, The Hour of the Witch.

As you may have guessed, it centers around a woman who becomes a target— because she stood up for herself against an abusive husband.

Chris researched and studied Puritanical society on a deep level to get real feel for life in that dark period. You’ll find out some crazy stuff, not just about the superstitions of the time and how horrible women were treated, but fun facts like how people ate out of troughs with their hands, because forks were of course, of the devil.

Sue Monk Kidd - Author The Book of Longings

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Sue Monk Kidd is no stranger to controversy. From the topics of her books, to deciding she wanted to be a writer in a place and time where that was just not something women did.

She tells Jeniffer about how just that act of courage inspired her to reach a little further to write feminine narratives, and about women characters that were also courageous and went against the grain.

Website

Donna Leon - Author of the Guido Brunetti Mystery series

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Donna Leon is the author of the Brunetti Mysteries, and in this episode she tells Jeniffer about her process, and how real life is always inspiring new ideas for her next books.

Having lived globally and travelled extensively, it’s no wonder she never seems to run out of those ideas—she writes at a pace of one novel a year! With her character, Brunetti, she wanted to create a protagonist who’s flawed, yet loveable, and put him into real-life situations to see what happens. And for nearly 30 years, her formula has been wildly successful!

Laraine Newman - Original SNL cast member - author of May You Live in Interesting Times

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Laraine, despite her mother’s pleas to not go into show business, of course, went into show business. Which, you may have guessed, turned out pretty well for her. She shares some the highlights of her book, May You Live in Interesting Times, casually mentions her friendships with other show business stars like Richard Pryor and Weird Al, and her time at SNL. They also discuss Coachella, The Salton Sea, desert landscapes, and other things Laraine has a love for—and there’s some depression and childhood neglect thrown in for good measure.

Gregory Brown - Author of The Lowering Days

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Richard Russo called Gregory Brown’s debut novel, “...a lush, almost mythic portrait of a very specific place and time…” and you’ll get a good sense of that listening to Gregory speak about The Lowering Days. He tells Jeniffer about his process and the characters in the novel and the parts they play. He also explains how he researched the local Penobscot culture to get it right, as someone who’s not Indigenous.

043 - Angela Bole - CEO Independent Book Publishers Association

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Angela Bole is the CEO of the IBPA, and she tells Jeniffer and Chad a little about the history and purpose of the organization. They discuss how the Independent publishing industry has changed over the years and the upcoming virtual IBPA Publishing University. There are also some great tips on the importance of sticking to publishing conventions as an Indie author, and how education and community are the pillars of Indie publishing success. They even throw in some thoughts on desert island book picks.

IBPA Website

042 - Clare Beams - Author of The Illness Lesson

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

The Illness Lesson is historical fiction that takes place in the 19th century, and was inspired by true events. Namely, a mysterious mass illness.

Clare Beams talks with Jeniffer about how she managed to write about the time period without falling into the trappings of its writing conventions. She also explains why she chose the setting she did and how she managed to make it still feel modern and have modern themes. Oh, and what it feels like to have her book hailed as a masterpiece.

Just enough of The Illness Lesson's complexly woven plot is revealed to keep listeners intrigued without including spoilers. So if you love getting into the details, this episode is for you.

Warwick's
Website

041 - Chris Whitaker - Author of We Begin at the End

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0800

Chris Whitaker’s most recent novel, We Begin at the End, was actually conceived of very early in his writing journey. Like few other authors, Chris never imagined he’d become a writer, but a traumatic event changed that. He started writing as a form of therapy to deal with the aftermath of that event, and to tell his story and express parts of himself in a ways completely removed from the personal. He also talks with Jeniffer about his process, how he found an agent, his missteps along the way, and the many jobs he had before landing a book deal. There’s also a bit of a listener Q&A at the end from the live version of this interview via Warwick’s Books.

Twitter

040 - Olga Grushin - Author of The Charmed Wife

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0800

Olga Grushin wrote her first story at just seven years old, and it happens to have been a fairy tale. She discusses why she chose to write in English, though Russian is her first language, and how it shapes the way she tells stories while retaining a Russian sensibility. The Charmed Wife is her latest book and she and Jeniffer discuss why she was inspired to reimagine Cinderella as a divorcee. Olga also talks about why she started writing, how she got an agent and a publisher, her genre-bending storytelling and much more. This one will make you rethink fairy tales and women’s roles in them. Oh, and yes, there is some discussion of talking mice.

039 - Stephanie Plymale - Author American Daughter

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0800

Her memoir has been called harrowing, and her childhood was unimaginably traumatic. But today, Stephanie is a successful author, the CEO of Heritage School of Interior Design, and the founder of The Heritage Home Foundation. She tells you how through sheer will and resilience she came out on the other side, and how not taking no for an answer, plus her innate design skills landed her a book deal and a best selling book.

Website
Instagram

038 - Sally Collings, Book Proposal Expert

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 07:25:43 -0800

Sally Collings is a Book Proposal Expert, Ghostwriter and former Assistant Editor at Harper Collins and she knows her stuff. Jeniffer and Chad talk with Sally about her six fundamental elements of a winning book proposal, including building your platform, proof of concept, and choosing your publishing path. There’s so much that goes into it. This episode is full of valuable information on the process of writing a book proposal and when it’s time to do it. Are you ready?

037 - Ghostwriter Derek Lewis

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0800

Today's guest, Derek Lewis, is a business ghostwriter and author in his own right. Contrary to popular belief, the ghostwriter doesn't just write a book under someone else's name. Derek compares the ghostwriter to a midwife. A facilitator of the text, but not the creator. And it's a lot harder than you'd think. It requires the ability to write in the voice of the "author". So you have to have writing skills and the ability to read people and understand them really well, and kind of become them. You can find out more about this mysterious career by listening now.

Connect With Derek:

036 - Dan & Sandra Smith - Smith Publicity

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0800

This episode’s guests are Dan Smith, founder of Smith Publicity, and President, Sandy Smith. No, the last name isn’t a coincidence—they’re married.

Dan’s decision to start Smith Publicity in 1997 was a make-it-or-break-it plan, and his can-do attitude and dedication paid off.

Today Smith Publicity has served over 3,000 clients and Sandy and Dan are at full capacity representing traditional and self-published authors. But it wasn’t always that way. Some of Smith's first clients where strippers, mystics, and alien abductees whom Dan found endless creative ways to promote. He worked with the authors no one else would touch and it served them and his firm well. Entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone who loves a whacky origin story will appreciate this episode. And there’s even a touching, Hallmark style love story thrown in for good measure.

Smith Publicity Website

035 - Byron Lane & Steven Rowley Authors: A Star is Bored / The Editor

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Both The Editor and A Star is Bored have young, gay, male protagonists who find mentors in older, more powerful, albeit very different women. Both books are based a bit in reality of some sort. Oh, and Byron and Steven just happen to be live-in partners who both happen to be writers. They tell Jeniffer what inspired them to write their novels, what it's like living with another writer, their respective writing processes, and more. There's some fun anecdotes shared and a lot of questions answered. If you haven't already read The Editor or a Star is Bored, this episode will convince you that you should.

034 - Bill Clegg Agent/Author of The End of the Day and Did You Ever Have a Family

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

In another partnership with San Diego’s Warwick’s Books, Jeniffer talks with Literary Agent and

Author, Bill Clegg. In this episode, they discuss his latest book, The End of the Day, and do a deep dive into the philosophical questions raised about class, agency, privilege, and power through the eyes of his protagonist, Dana. It’s like a mini book club, and may help you see the book in a new light, or raise some questions of your own about what really matters at the end of the day.

033 - Linda Olson Author of Gone: A Memoir of Love, Body, and Taking Back My Life

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Linda Olson was in her late twenties, newly married, and a doctor when she was in a horrible accident while on vacation with her family. The aftermath left her without her legs and her right arm. She thought she would lose her husband too. But it turns out, she adapted and so did he. In this episode Linda tells Jeniffer and Chad about her experience, and how she overcame what seems from her telling, the minor setback of finding yourself with only one limb to work with. Her story is full of adventure, laughter, and a ton of inspiration. You can find out more about Linda at lindakolson.com

032 - Justin Scheck - WSJ Reporter and Coauthor of Blood and Oil

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. In this episode, Wall Street Journal reporter, Justin Scheck talks with Jeniffer about his experience covering the Saudi royal family and the wild reality behind its power hungry prince. Blood and Oil, is a fascinating glimpse into the politics of oil, and how staggering wealth and unchecked ambition created what most would consider a true monster. MBS ordered the ruthless murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, proposed creating a city with a fake satellite moon and robot dinosaurs, and even imprisoned his own family members. But oddly enough, Justin’s biggest fear while on assignment in Saudi Arabia wasn’t MBS, but the crazy traffic there.

Twitter

031 - Simon Stephenson - Author of Set My Heart to Five: A Novel - Pixar Screenwriter

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Set My Heart To Five is a book that examines the oddities of human behavior by observing them from the outside, via an Android named Jared. It's set in 2054 in what Simon calls a Mistopia. He and Jeniffer talk about how he came up with the idea for the novel and the ways we may relate to Jared when we really start thinking about it. They discuss how he transitioned from Doctor to Writer, a bit about his creative process, and whether he prefers writing screenplays or novels. They share their opinions about Japanese Whiskey Vs Scotch and you'll find out whether or not, Simon himself, is actually a robot.

Unlike anything you have ever read before, Set My Heart to Five is a love letter to outsiders everywhere. Plus it comes uniquely guaranteed to make its readers weep a minimum of 29mls of tears.*

*Book must be read in controlled laboratory conditions arranged at reader’s own expense. Other terms and conditions may apply to this offer.

Find him here:
Instagram
Twitter
IMDB
Goodreads
Warwick's

030 - Sigrid Nunez - Author - The Friend, What Are You Going Through

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Sigrid Nunez is what may be considered a writer's writer, and she references other writers and the art itself often in her newest book, What Are You Going Through. In this episode she tells Jeniffer about her writing process—which starts with just the all important first sentence and builds from there—weaving a whole world by answering the questions that first sentence asks. Sigrid also tells Jeniffer what inspires her to write, and how she decided on the Stream of Consciousness style for What Are You Going Through. She also reads a beautiful passage from the book, and if that doesn't captivate you enough to tune in, maybe finding out why she edits as she goes will.

Find here here.

029 - Ann Gonzales - Children's Book Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Ann Gonzales is the creator and facilitator of Easel Does it-Art and Recovery workshops and author of the magnificent children's book, Beloved and the Pepper Tree. She Considers herself an artist and seeker. She talks with Jeniffer about how the idea for her book came about, the process of finding her illustrator, and how she's built her brand with clever ideas and creative projects. Beloved and the Pepper Tree is her first book and it deals with facing change and the challenges that brings.

Find Ann's Website Here
Find Ann on Facebook

028 - John Vorhaus - Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad talk with John Vorhaus about what it takes to be a good comic writer and how some of those things may be inborn. They discuss everything from his writing process, and his experience teaching comedy writing all over the world, to ultimate frisbee, poker, and dumb jokes. And, yes, there really was a Russian version of Married with Children. John worked on that show and learned some valuable lessons about how comedy isn't always universal. So, knowing your audience is key.

027 - Jan Eliasberg - Director, Screenwriter, & Author of Hannah's War

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Jan Eliasberg has written and directed for theater, film, and television, including shows like Miami Vice, Criminal Minds, and Nashville. In this episode Jeniffer and Chad speak with Jan about her novel, Hannah’s War. The novel was inspired by, and tells the story of, Hannah Weiss, a Jewish physicist working on splitting the atom. Hannah realizes the destructive potential of her work but as a woman, was not listened to, nor credited. Jan talks about how she was inspired by her discovery of the real-life Jewish, female Physicist in an old NYT article, who remained unnamed and uncredited for her work.

Jan discloses who she can imagine playing Hannah if her book is optioned for a film. Which as it turns out, may actually happen. She’ll also enthrall you with a reading from Hannah’s War.

You can find her here:

026 - Sara Schaefer Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Sara Schaefer is an Emmy winning stand up comedian and comedy writer who's been featured on too many comedy shows to mention. If you don't already know her work, you're missing out. This episode, in another partnership with Warwick's Books, goes deep into the process of how Sara wrote her memoir, what she learned from it, and covers topics everyone can relate to. You'll also get to hear Sara read a passage from Grand, about an all too familiar bad haircut experience. But, of course, you'll have to buy the book to get the full story.

025 - Charles Rosenberg Alternative Fiction Author, Lawyer, Professor

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Charles Rosenberg is not only the author of several novels based on imagined history, but a Law professor and script consultant for several Prime Time television shows, such as LA Law and Boston Legal. Charles gets his inspiration from examining history and observing the present to imagine how the past could have been vastly different just by a change in circumstance. Jeniffer talks with him about his most recent work, The Day Lincoln Lost, and how by imagining an alternative past he ended up creating parallels with current events unintentionally. This episode will get you thinking, and spark your imagination.

024 - Brad Thor - New York Times Bestselling Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0700

You might suspect Brad Thor's background hosting the TV series Traveling Lite had something to do with his interest in international espionage and adventure, and you'd be right. Brad tells Jeniffer about what got him started as a writer, how he created his series protagonist, Scot Harvath, and how that character has changed over the course of writing 20 books. You'll find out how Brad's path to success is an interesting story of hard work, dedication, and some honeymoon trip kismet.

Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black, is interviewed by Marni Freedman.

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0700

The San Diego Writers Festival was born out of a passion to unite our community through storytelling and to give a voice to those who often feel voiceless. We celebrate inclusivity and accessibility, creating a day that celebrates all races, genders, religions and abilities. If you missed our inaugural event, we’re pleased to announce that we will continue to offer year-round programming and resources for writers. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list for what’s to come in 2019, and what’s on the horizon for 2020!

The San Diego Writers Festival:
Uniting San Diego—One Story at A Time
http://sandiegowritersfestival.com/

023 - Elliot Ackerman - Author Red Dress in Black & White

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Today’s episode goes into detail about how and why Ackerman wrote his latest novel, Red Dress in Black and White. You’ll hear how his work is informed by his experience living overseas and how his themes are born out of real world events. This episode is a detailed exploration of his creative process. Oh, and it turns out, Eliot was also in the CIA, and Jeniffer tries to get him to reveal what he may know about a certain agency plot involving a 1980’s Hair Metal band and the Cold War.

022 - Carlos De Los Rios - Screenplay Writer, Author, Poet

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0700

In today’s episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Carlos De Los Rios about Hollywood insider stuff, how he came into screenwriting, and some of the work he’s done. They get into some details of his first producer credit, the documentary, The Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs. They talk Hollywood film history, tropes, and speculate as to the future of filmmaking in a post-COVID world. Carlos also has some suggestions for good stuff to stream right now, since production is currently halted. And you’ll be reminded that all good stories have a very simple structure that’s been around almost since story telling began.

Carlos can be found at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0209856/

021 - Jason Stanley - Philosopher, Author - How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Today’s episode is a conversation in partnership with Warwick’s Books. Jeniffer talks with Jason Stanley about his latest book, How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Stanley is a Professor of Philosophy at Yale University and contributor to publications such as NYT and Boston Review. He also serves on the board of the Prison Policy Initiative. He explains how Fascism is insidious in that it’s not just a regime. It’s many things. It’s policy. It’s language and rhetoric. And it’s dangerous to not know it when we see it. Jason breaks down a myriad of examples, that you’ll probably recognize, to support his points.

020 - Mark Coker - Founder of Smashwords and Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Mark Coker, founder of the ebook publishing and distribution platform, Smashwords talks with Jeniffer and Chad about the world of Indie publishing. He tells them about why and how he started Smashwords, the inner workings of the machine that is Amazon, how Smashwords is different, and they discuss what it really means to be an Indie author. And of course, there are some fun, off topic musings about talking Japanese toilets.

019 - Keith Rosson - Author - Road Seven

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Tue, 12 May 2020 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode Author and Artist, Keith Rosson chats with Jeniffer and Chad about his latest novel, Road Seven; a genre-bending mix of character driven literary fiction and Sci-Fi/fantasy. There's talk of everything from exploding whales, to unicorns, to how important consuming art is in relation to creating it. And of course, some excellent, practical advice on the writing process, query letters, the benefit of writing groups, and what inspires Keith to write what he does.

018 - Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 with Marni Freedman

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Marni Freedman, writing coach and co-founder of the San Diego Writer's Festival joins Jeniffer and Chad to discuss how physical distancing and Covid-19 challenges us and how we can respond. Marni discusses her new book, Writing to Heal, why she wrote it, and her process. She also explains how writing brings about mindfulness and ways we can use writing to cope and heal, now and always. There's also some talk of personal journeys,preppers, old cars, cheese puffs, and overcoming those little disasters life throws at us.

017 - Jerry Yudelson - Author - The Godfather of Green: An Eco-Spiritual Memoir

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Today on The Premise Chad and Jeniffer talk to Jerry Yudelson about his role in the first Earth Day, his newest book, "The Godfather of Green", and how we can look to other cultures and even the past to create solutions for now and the future. Jerry is a Harvard and Cal Tech educated civil and environmental engineer and the author of 14 books on global green building and sustainable design. He reminds us that small things we do can make a difference, and also of the progress we've made, despite what we're seeing that seems to be to the contrary. This episode has some amusing anecdotes about the 1970's, and early environmentalism, and reminds us that there is hope and not all is lost.

Find Jerry Here:
https://jerryyudelson.net/
https://twitter.com/jerryyudelson

016 - Jeff Ourvan - Literary Agent, Author, Writing Coach, and Attorney (but we'll let that last one slide)

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad talk with Jeff Ourvan in this episode. Jeff is currently a literary agent, writer and writing coach. They talk about his past as a corporate attorney, the wonder of rocks and fishing, and how Jeff ended up where is today after a past full of varied careers. You'll learn about the value of workshops and a fancy educations, or lack thereof, the state of Indie publishing, and many more valuable tidbits. There also happens to be a brief discussion of a UFO sighting. But Jeff says he can't discuss it fully. Intriguing, right?
Find him here:
https://thewriteworkshops.com/
https://twitter.com/WriteWorkshopNY

015 - Eilene Zimmerman - Author Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Eilene Zimmerman, long-time journalist and contributor to The New York Times talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her new memoir, Smacked:A Story of White Collar Ambition, Addiction and Tragedy. Eilene shares how she was oblivious to her successful ex-husband's addiction until tragedy struck. She also explains her process in deciding how and why to tell her story. This is an eye-opening episode on hidden realities, but as usual, there's some fun book talk and interesting musings from the hosts and their guest.

Find her online here:

Bonus Episode - Warwick's Bookstore Hot Picks for the Lock Down

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

While Warwick's may have canceled their in-house author events, they're still shipping books. Help independent bookstores and keep yourself safe and entertained in these unsure times.

014 - Elise Capron - Agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Elise is most interested in well-written narrative non-fiction (particularly trade-friendly history, cultural studies, and science) as well as character-driven literary fiction.

Some of Elise's representative non-fiction titles include Cynthia Barnett’s Rain: A Natural and Cultural History (Crown), which was long-listed for the National Book Award and the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award; Meera Subramanian's A River Runs Again: India’s Natural World in Crisis, from the Barren Cliffs of Rajasthan to the Farmlands of Karnataka (Public Affairs); Jack Shuler's The Thirteenth Turn: A History of the Noose (Public Affairs); Jonathon Keats’s You Belong to the Universe: Buckminster Fuller and the Future (Oxford University Press); Leo Braudy's Haunted; Jane Vandenburgh's The Wrong Dog Dream: A True Romance (Counterpoint); Billy Smith's Ship of Death: The Voyage That Changed the Atlantic World (Yale); and more.

Find her online here
Follow her on Twitter

013 - Tavia Gilbert - Audio Book Narrator, Writer, Producer and Performer

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Jeniffer and Chad talk to Audio Book Narrator, Writer and Performer Tavia Gilbert. They discuss her background in theater and how one ah-ha moment sparked her passion. She tells them how she got her start narrating audio books and the details of the process that goes into it. Gilbert gives some good tips on having an audio friendly voice, talks about how her past informs the tone of the characters she narrates, and proves that when one door shuts, there is always another way in. This one might also leave you pondering why teachers, of all people, sometimes discourage their students from following their dreams. It'll also remind you that those teachers aren't always right.

Find her at: https://taviagilbert.com/

012 - Dr. Gloria Chance - Psychologist, Author, Innovation & Creativity Expert

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Dr. Gloria Chance is a Creative/Expressive Arts and Peak Performance Psychologist and the Founder, CEO The Mousai Group. In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about her work bringing art and business together to find creative solutions. Dr. Chance tells them about her workshops and retreats and her holistic processes to create new patterns and trigger active creative thinking. This one is a fascinating look into our minds and how our past and habits can affect our choices and limit our progress—but more importantly, it shows us how we can change them! So let your guard down and open yourself to the possibilities.
Visit her website here: https://themousaigroup.com/

011 - Brooke Warner - Founder She Writes Press

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0700

Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc. and the author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, and What’s Your Book? She's also a TEDx speaker and the former Executive Editor of Seal Publishing and a current columnist at Publishers Weekly. And these are just some of her accomplishments. In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Brooke about why she left traditional publishing and forged her own path forward with a mission to create more diversity in the publishing world. She also gives some valuable inside information on the publishing world and tips on how aspiring Indie authors can make it.

She Writes Press
Visit her site
Buy Brooke's books

010 - Susan Blackwell - Broadway, film & TV actor, Playwright

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Susan Blackwell is a Broadway and TV actor, who is also a playwright and host of the talk show, Side by Side by Susan Blackwell. Chad and Jeniffer talk with her about some of the outrageous things she's done on stage as well as her experience in the corporate world and ultimate escape from it. Susan explains how she maintains balance in her life and they talk creativity, impostor syndrome, and the vampires of self-doubt that plague even the most accomplished and seemingly self-confident of us. This one is engaging, hilarious and even has a really interesting deviled egg recipe.

Check out her acting reel here.
Her IMDB page is here.
Check out Side by Side with Susan Blackwell here.

009 - Lisa See - Bestselling Author

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Prolific writer and author of the NYT Bestseller, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See talks with Jeniffer and Chad about how she began writing books and how those humble aspirational beginnings turned into a life-long career. Her other works include Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and most recently, The Island of Sea Women, among several others. They discuss her writing process, her inspiration, and the time it takes to research her historical dramas. Lisa also gives a bit of a lesson on the tea making process and admits that though she definitely has a brand, she's still not really sure what that means.

008 - Marika Flatt - Publicist PR By the Book

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Marika Flatt, Founder of PR By the Book, a book publicity firm, and Travel Editor for Texas Lifestyle Magazine talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her path to the world of publicity. You'll learn what she and other publicity firms do. And don't do. They also talk about who does what during the book marketing process and what's expected of authors themselves. Marika tells The Premise how she manages to do all she does, and what it's like to own your own business and work with your spouse—which Jeniffer and Chad may know a thing or two about.

007 - Belo Cipriani - Founder of Oleb Books

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad have the pleasure of talking with Belo Cipriani, Founder of Oleb Books, Oleb Media and the author of the memoir, Blind. Belo is also an equal rights advocate, journalist, and a Lambda Literary and Yaddo fellow—amongst other titles.

They discuss his path to entrepreneurship, career shifts, and the events that drove those decisions, including the one that changed the trajectory of his life by leaving him blind. This one will make you think! And introduce you to some fascinating details and impressive technologies that you may be completely unaware of if you happen to be able-bodied.

Find Belo at: https://olebbooks.com/
And: https://belocipriani.com/

Bonus Episode - Joe Ide Interview

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0800

Check out Joe's website at: https://www.joeide.com/
He'll also be at the San Diego Writers Festival on April 4th 2020
https://sandiegowritersfestival.com/

006 - Mara Altman - Author of Gross Anatomy

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Check out Mara's website at http://www.mara-altman.com/
Check out Mara's hilarious videos here: http://bit.ly/2Si18jx

005 - Dr. Nan Wise - Why Good Sex Matters

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Check out Dr. Nan Wise at: https://askdoctornan.com/

004 - Laura Cathcart Robbins & Scott Slaughter - The Only One In The Room

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Laura Cathcart Robbins & Scott Slaughter of the podcast, The Only One in the Room. They discuss everything from the origins of their podcast to life as a podcasting couple. Plus they share their favorite episodes and biggest challenges, and talk movies, inspiration and the true meaning of equity. There's even a meet-cute in there.

003 - Marni Freedman - Writing Coach

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0800

This episode's guest is Marni Freedman, Writing Coach and co-founder of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association and the San Diego Writers Festival. They talk about her and Jeniffer pulling off a major writing festival against the odds and their other co-projects as partners in almost-crime. They discuss crafty ways to sneak true intentions and cultural signifiers past Hollywood gatekeepers, how rough times can bring the brightest kinds of inspiration, and finding paths to our true callings in unexpected ways. And of course, the all important question: Which Muppet are you? Marni wears a lot of hats, some of which are actual hats, but she’s a lady that is doing a lot of powerful things in the San Diego writing community.

Bonus Episode - Inside Warwick's bookstore

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:30:00 -0800

In this mini-episode Jeniffer ventures out to join Julie Slavinsky, Director of Events, at La Jolla's boutique bookstore, Warwick's. They chat about the store's history, its upcoming events, and the hottest books of the moment. If you're a reader who loves to stay on top of the what's what and who's who in the literature scene you've gotta listen to this high-energy mini.

002 - Lee Wind - Queer As A $5 Bill

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Jeniffer and Chad talk with Lee Wind, Director of Marketing & Programming at IBPA, about his mission to write the books he wishes he'd read as a gay youth. They discuss Lincoln, examining history in closer detail to reveal the true selves of historical figures, and how it can create new role models and new perspectives. You'll also hear from Lee about his writing process, his ups and downs in the publishing world, and the wild tale of a rogue agent( the literary kind).

001 - Gill Sotu - Spoken Word Master

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0800

Thanks to Gill Sotu for coming into the studio and chatting with us. Check out more of his work GillSotu.com

Also thanks to our sponsors:

Writing coach Marni Freedman
Design firm and platform builders Monkey C Media
Last but certainly not least San Diego Writers Festival