Épisodes

  • Pat Valdata
    Dec 20 2024

    In this episode of A Book Finds You!, we welcome Pat Valdata, an award-winning poet, novelist, retired university professor, and accomplished pilot. Pat shares her journey of writing her second poetry book, "Where No Man Can Touch," which won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and was republished in 2023. Discover the inspiration behind her poems, which spotlight the fearless women aviators who took to the skies long before Amelia Earhart. Pat delves into her creative process, from research to writing residencies, and the challenges of crafting poetry that honors these pioneering women. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with insights into the art of writing and the importance of letting a book find you.

    Visit Pat Valdata's website at www.patvaldata.com for more information on her work. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode if you enjoyed it!

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    35 min
  • David Sloan
    Dec 13 2024

    Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the mind of David Sloan, a Baltimore-based novelist and neuroscientist, discussing his intriguing book, "Cameraman." Host Rob Jolles explores Sloan's creative process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of balancing writing with a busy life. Discover how Sloan's scientific background informs his narrative style and the ethical implications of a world without secrets. Listen in as Sloan shares insights on his unique publishing journey and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, storytelling, and the human experience.

    Visit David Sloan's website at https://www.tanglemapledawn.com/ for more information on his work.

    Bluesky - @tanglemapledawn.bsky.social

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    35 min
  • Kae Wagner
    Dec 7 2024

    In this captivating episode of "A Book Finds You," host Rob Jolles welcomes the talented Kae Wagner, a versatile author who has made a remarkable transition from business writing to fiction. Kae shares the inspiration behind her latest work, "A Saturday Night at the Trailer Park," a compelling series that weaves themes of forgiveness and redemption into a coming-of-age story.

    Kae discusses her writing process, highlighting her commitment to writing daily and her innovative use of dictation to capture her thoughts while on the go. She also shares her marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of shameless self-promotion and the power of reader reviews to boost a book's visibility. With an impressive number of reviews on Amazon, Kae's series has resonated with readers, touching their hearts and inspiring real-life acts of forgiveness.

    Visi tKae Wagner's website at https://www.kaewagner.com/ for more information on her work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    39 min
  • Shannon Bohrer
    Nov 15 2024

    In a riveting podcast episode, we delve into the depths of the criminal justice system with Shannon Bohrer, a former Maryland State Police officer and author of the eye-opening book, "Judicial Soup." Shannon's journey from law enforcement to authoring a book about wrongful convictions is as fascinating as it is crucial. His experience as an expert witness for Heath Patrick Thomas, a man wrongfully convicted of a minor crime, serves as a poignant reminder that the flaws in our justice system can have life-altering ramifications.

    Throughout the episode, Shannon shares the story of Heath, who, despite serving only four days in jail, faced years of hardship due to his conviction. This personal account is just one of many that Shannon explores in his book, highlighting the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions. The conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked minor cases that, while not as sensational as death row pardons, carry significant consequences for those involved.

    Visit Shannon Bohrer's website at https://www.shannonbohrer.com/ for more information on his work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    36 min
  • Burt Clark
    Nov 8 2024

    Burt's book, "I Can't Save You and Don't Want to Die Trying: American Fire Culture," delves into the critical aspects of fire safety and prevention, offering insights that can save lives.

    Burt's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Despite being dyslexic, he discovered his love for writing through a transformative college course that taught him to embrace his unique voice. This newfound confidence propelled him to publish his first article in a national magazine in 1976, and he hasn't looked back since. His writing journey is a series of 500-word essays that capture his experiences and insights, making complex topics accessible to readers.


    Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Burt Clark and discover how writing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and societal change. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply someone interested in fire safety, this episode offers something for everyone.

    Visit Burt Clark's website at https://americanfireculture.com/ for more information on his work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    30 min
  • Frances Altman
    Nov 1 2024

    Frances's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of evolving with the times. She began her writing career in the communications field, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for storytelling. Her journey took a significant turn when she stumbled upon the name Mary Edwards Walker in a 1970s newspaper article. This sparked a curiosity that would eventually lead to the creation of "Destiny's Daughter," a book that took over 30 years to fruition.

    Throughout the episode, Frances emphasizes the need for writers to be adaptable and open to change. She discusses her challenges in the publishing industry and how she navigated them by continually learning and evolving. Her insights into the writing process are invaluable, especially her advice on knowing when to pause and when to push forward with a project.

    Visit Frances Altman's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/frances.altman.77/ for more information on her work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    35 min
  • Zorina Frey
    Oct 25 2024

    In a world where societal expectations often dictate our paths, finding the courage to embrace our true selves can be a daunting journey. Our latest podcast episode features an inspiring author who has dedicated her work to helping others break free from these constraints. Zorina Frey offers a unique perspective on self-discovery and empowerment through her poetic monologues and soliloquies, and provides a unique perspective on self-discovery and empowerment.


    The author shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her writing. She believes everyone has the right to define their own path, free from the pressures of external expectations. Her book is a testament to this belief, providing readers with a collection of thought-provoking monologues encouraging introspection and personal growth.

    Visit Zorina Frey's website at https://zorina-frey.com/ for more information on her work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    34 min
  • Anita Nahal
    Oct 18 2024

    This episode delves into the writing world with acclaimed Indian American author and professor Anita Nahal. Join host Rob Jolles as they discuss Nahal's inspirations, writing process, and challenges as a poet and novelist. Discover how her latest poetry collection, "What's Wrong with Us Kali Women?" addresses global injustices and cultural nuances. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a literary enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the discipline and creativity of writing.

    Visit Anita Nahal's website at https://www.anitanahal.com/ for more information on her work.

    To learn more about the Maryland Writers' Association, visit their website at https://marylandwriters.org/. There, you can learn about upcoming events and become a member.

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    34 min