Inside the Writer's Studio

Charlie talks with historical novelist and longtime friend Erika Robuck about her new novel The Invisible Woman, which follows the exploits of Virginia Hall, an Allied operative who, despite having lost a leg, worked behind enemy lines during World War II. They discuss research, bravery, and the fine line between fiction and non-fiction along with many other topics.

John talks with thriller writer and fellow Davidson College graduate John Hart about his new novel The Unwilling. They discuss the craft of the crime thriller, building characters, recreating a recent historical time period, what makes a memorable villain, family dynamics and more.

Back from the holidays, Charlie talks with historical novelist and NYT bestseller Melanie Benjamin about her new book The Children's Blizzard. They discuss historical research, cultural portrayal, connecting historical characters to contemporary issues, and just how cold it can get on the Great Plains.

Charlie talks with international best selling author Alexander McCall Smith about Africa, Scotland, The Number 1 Ladies Detective Angency, the latest book in that series How to Raise an Elephant, and the perennial popular heroine Precious Ramotswe and her philosophy of life.

Charlie chats with audiobook reader Mike Lenz about how Mike made the move from running a pharmacy and being a mayor to having a career as a voice over artist. Mike recorded Charlie's novel Escaping Dreamland, and they discuss the process of recording an audiobook, the relationship between author and reader, and all the elements of writing—from punctuation to pacing—that a good audiobook narrator is tuned into.

Debut novelist Bryan Washington stops by (via Zoom) to chat with Charlie about Bryan's new novel Memorial. They discuss racism, cultural diversity, the city of Houston, queer literature, and more.

Charlie talks with internationally bestselling author Dean Koontz about his new thriller, Elsewhere. They discuss science, parallel universes, imagination, the discipline of the writer. character development, and more.

Charlie talks with debut author Rudy Ruiz about his novel The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez. They discuss the bi-cultural nature of the US/Mexico border, magical realism, the Spanish language, Fulgencio as tragic hero, and much more.

Anne Bogel (a.k.a. The Modern Mrs. Darcy) guest hosts to interview Charlie about his new novel Escaping Dreamland. They discuss the power of stories, the truth behind The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, researching historical New York City and much more. And, for the first time, Charlie himself is subjected to the "ten questions"!

Charlie talks with film and television actor Henry Winkler about his enormously successful books for children, including the Hank Zipzer series. Winkler, though his books and personal appearances, is an advocate for children with dyslexia and learning differences and he and Charlie discuss the challenges of living with dyslexia, the importance of education and parent support, and Charlie's alma mater Summit School, which has had special programs for students with learning differences since the 1950s.