Inside the Writer's Studio

Charlie talks with Lisa Gabriele about her new novel The Winters, inspired by Daphne Du Maurier's immortal thriller, Rebecca. Charlie and Lisa discuss foreshadowing, women's relationships, MeToo, reader expectations and much more. 

Charlie talks with New Yorker staff writer and author of The Lost City of Z about his new book The White Darkness, the story of Antarctic explorer Henry Worsley. Ever wondered what it would be like to trek across hundreds of miles of Antarctica all by yourself? Of course you have, so listen in!

Charlie talks with his neighbor and friend New York Times bestseller Sarah McCoy about her new novel Marilla of Green Gables, set in the Anne of Green Gables universe. Their discussion ranges from visits to Prince Edward Island, to writing the story of an already beloved character, to the evolving definition of a feminist.

Charlie talks with Newberry Medal winner Kelly Barnhill about life as a mother and writer, baking pie, winning awards, and her 2018 collection Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories. The discussion ranges from magical realism and fairy tales to hiking and telling stories to our children.

Charlie talks with middle-grade writer Alan Gratz about his historical fiction, including his latest novel, Grenade, set during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Alan talks about helping kids understand the difficult realities of history, finding ways to help them to connect the past to their own experience, and what it's like to seek out ways to put "kid protagonists" in the middle of historic events.

Charlie chats with Greensboro novelist Lee Zacharias about her new novel Across the Great Lake, wich he calls a "lyrical novel full of indelible imagery." They discuss how the novel, set on a frozen Lake Michigan in 1932, deals with retrospective point of view, non-linear narration, magical realism, and recreating a unique moment in time and space.

At the Bookmarks Festival, Charlie chats with the Modern Mrs. Darcy herself, Anne Bogel about the reading life, its joys, and its pitfalls. Anne's new book I'd Rather Be Reading provides a jumping off point for a broad ranging discussion of new and classic literature, reading habits, book clubs, and reading culture. In adition to her blog, The Modern Mrs. Darcy, Anne is the host of the podcast What Should I Read Next?

Charlie Lovett and his nine-year-old nephew Will talk with Dav Pilkey at B.B. & T. Baseball Park in Winston-Salem just after Dave spoke to over 2500 school children. They discuss Captain Underpants, Dogman, and inspiring children to read through graphic novels as well as delving into Dav's own background and the inspiration for some of his characters.

Charlie Lovett talks with Craig Johnson about his new Longmire Mystery Depth of Winter. Charlie and Craig discuss the balancing act involved in creating a series, the developement of character over time, and why Craig chose to set this novel in the remote desert of Northern Mexico. Plus, they have a few laughs and Craig's dog even makes a guest appearance.

Charlie Lovett interviews Ginger Hendricks and Jamie Rogers Southern, both of Bookmarks, about the 14th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors in Wnston-Salem, NC on September 6–9. We discuss authors such as Dav Pilkey, Rebecca Makkai, Rick Bragg, Beth Macy, Zinzi Clemmons, and many others.