Ever dreamt of writing a novel but don't know where to start? Join us this week as we welcome Dr. Barbara Tucker, author and writing expert, who shares invaluable insights and practical advice for aspiring novelists.

Visit Dr. Tucker's website for more writing resources and information about her books. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring interviews with creative professionals!

In this first episode of 2025, Barbara sits down with Dr. John Fuchko III, who is the sixth president of Dalton State College. They discuss leadership in various contexts and interrogate cliches about leaders. They also discuss the concept of servant leadership.

In this episode, we are joined by two poets. Cynthia Robinson Young is the author of Migration, a Finalist in the 2019 Georgia Author of the Year Award, and a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net for 2023 nominee. Rachel Landrum Crumble is a poet with an MFA from Vermont College and publications in numerous literary journals. Her work has been recognized with awards and fellowships, and her debut poetry collection, "Sister Sorrow," was recently published by Finishing Line Press.

Update: Cynthia Robinson Young's Reflections of a Feral Mother is forthcoming, as it is being republished by Walnut Street Publishing in the coming months. It should be available by March of 2025.

Find out more about Cynthia and Rachel here:

https://www.cynthiarobinsonyoung.com/

https://poetteachermom.com/

Located in Hixson, Rêve Coffee and Books is focused on creating a "third place"–a communal space outside of work or home–for the Chattanooga community. Owner and barista Aniston Williams has built Rêve around the idea of community, a love for reading, and education.

Join us as Dr. Barbara Tucker sits down and talks with Aniston about what inspired her to create this sanctuary for fellow book lovers and how she utilizes creativity in every aspect of her life from teaching to owning a business to motherhood!

Find out more about Rêve Coffee and Books here!

Barbara speaks with her friend and publisher, Vickie McEntire, who recently acquired Colorful Crow Publishing of Calhoun. They will talk entrepreneurship, writing, and creativity. Vickie adds "“Katie Clayton, who takes care of marketing, is essential to the success of our clients and the company!"

Find out more about Colorful Crow Publishing here!

Housed in a former cotton warehouse in Carrollton, Georgia, the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum highlights various textile art styles by many artists and has hosted over 50 exhibits since the museum’s founding. The museum features three galleries, a classroom space with a library, and a consignment-based gift shop. The museum offers 22 adult classes in everything from sewing and quilting to embroidery and crochet and each summer the museum holds four sessions of Quilt Camp with personalized mentors.

Find out more here!

Join us for a chilling conversation with Mark Hannah, a veteran horror filmmaker who dared to take on the challenge of creating a terrifying Halloween experience at a waterpark. Discover the behind-the-scenes secrets, hilarious mishaps, and spine-tingling stories of bringing Lake WinnepeSPOOKah to life. Mark shares his unforgettable journey. This episode is packed with horror trivia, insider tips, and a healthy dose of spooky fun. Don't miss out on this exclusive interview with a master of the macabre!

Join the fun here!

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Tucker takes a road trip to John C. Campbell Folk School. Located in Brasstown, NC, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, and more. It is the oldest and largest folk school in the United States and a non-profit adult educational organization based on non-competitive learning.

The Folk School staff welcomed Barbara and her friend Mary Sheetz, and in this episode she talks with Rachel Watson, 2-D Coordinator, and with several instructors and students. She visited in late July and hopes to return to this fascinating, charming, and creative place.