It was so much fun to write a novella in this collection, and it was just as much fun to bring you this episode where we talk about our stories and how they connect. Across the Shores is a novella collection that has a cross necklace that connects four women across generations and continents. It was such a delight to write with Carolyn Miller, Angela Crouch, and Kelly Goshorn. In this episode we talk about how we find our story ideas, what's easier to write (heroes or heroines), and whether we're pantsers or plotters. We also talk about research surprises. I hope you enjoy learning about these ladies and our collection. Connect with Carolyn MillerFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | BookBub Connect with Angela CrouchTwitter Connect with Kelly GoshornFacebook | Instagram | Twitter Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I never thought we'd get here. When I started Book Talk, I didn't have a vision for a podcast that would become this. Today to mix it up, my good friend Pepper Basham is interviewing me. It was so fun to share some of my writing journey, my passion for helping authors, and why I write the kinds of books that I do. We also talked about story, how she writes, and how we love teaching together. It was such fun -- even if a bit strange -- to be on this side of the interview process. And if you haven't read any of Pepper's books yet, you'll see why she's one of my dearest writing friends. I adore her books almost as much as I adore her. Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Life doesn't always go the way we want it to. If you've lived any amount of time, then you know that. What I love about Toni Shiloh's novels with Bethany House is that they are spiritual or Hollywood fairy tales. They capture that idea of finding a prince or a star who thinks we're beautiful and worthwhile. They see the value in us that we can't quite find. I love this chance to catch up with Toni and talk about her books and the characters she's bringing to life. Y'all, I could not put the Love Script down because I love Neavah. Lamont wasn't so bad himself, but Neavah was the type of heroine I can imagine being friends with. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Toni about her books, imposter syndrome, wondering where the next idea will come from, and much more. Connect with Toni ShilohFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to write in a novella collection when the authors intentionally connect the stories closely? That's exactly what Crystal Caudill, Angela Strong, and I did for our collection We Three Kings which releases in September 2023. In this episode of Book Talk, we talk about how we got the ideas for our novellas, how they are connected, and what we incorporated into the stories. It was a real joy to write with Crystal and Angela, and you'll enjoy meeting them and learning more about their books. Of course, we also talk about writing too. Since we all right different genres and time periods, it's fun to compare notes on how we do what we do. I hope you enjoy this edition of Book Talk! Connect with Crystal CaudillFacebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub Connect with Angela Ruth StrongFacebook | Instagram | Twitter   Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Today it is a pleasure to introduce you to my writing friend Kathleen Denly. Her historical fiction is set in 1850s San Diego County California, and you'll enjoy getting to learn more about her passion for discovering little-known aspects of California's history and transforming it into a story. We also enjoyed talking about her family's adoption journey and how that found its way into a couple of her novels including her most recent Murmur in the Mudcaves. If you enjoy novels by Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Karen Witemeyer, then you will enjoy this chance to learn about Kathleen and what she loves about writing (the discovery and brainstorming process) and what drives her crazy (all the details!). You'll also enjoy her novels which transport you back in time. Connect with Kathleen Denly ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Pinterest | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

It is my absolute delight to introduce you to my writing friend DiAnn Mills. I met DiAnn at my very first ACFW in 2005 when I attended one of the workshops on plotting and brainstorming. I have loved her and her books ever since. In this episode, we talk about her upcoming book Facing the Enemy, and how it's a healing book for her because it touches on a tragic experience in her life. More than that, it's an example of her suspense with romance which is set in her hometown of Houston. That launched us into a conversation about how she loves to use setting to create havoc for her main characters and she gives some great examples. She also gives her top 4 writing tips for readers. You'll have to watch to catch them in detail: but they are that you need to read, write, learn, and pray every day. ⁠ Connect with DiAnn Mills Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Pinterest | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Connecting with my friend Rachel Hauck is always a joy, and it's always a delight to have her on Book Talk. This episode is no different. When we hit record, you get to eavesdrop on our conversation about stories as art and characters as joy. Rachel starts with a theme but not necessarily a spiritual thread, that will come later. Then the story idea will hit her later. In the process, the big idea will hit. I also love that Rachel wants to introduce readers to a relationship with Jesus, not the church. Isn't that a cool distinction? The church is filled with people, and that means we will be let down and disappointed at some point in time. But Jesus is different. So very different. You'll enjoy this conversation and look behind the scenes into Rachel's next book the Best Summer of Our Lives. Connect with Rachel Hauck ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | BookBub | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

In many episodes, I've introduced you to my writing friends that I've known for a long time. In this episode, I have the privilege of introducing you to a new friend Kristen Parnell. It was such fun to talk about books and writing with this author who highlights that while we don't get to choose the situations of our lives, we do get to choose our response to situations in her books. We've both experienced the pain of miscarriage and that has highlighted the way life and its plot points can be outside of our control. Yet our response is not. That experience appears in her stories where a common theme is that faith is an adventure. When you read Take My Hand, her 7th published novel, you will certainly walk away with that idea! Kristen is an author who often starts with 60-70% of her novel plotted and then lets the story take over and I think you will enjoy her writing as much as I have. I definitely enjoyed this opportunity to connect with her and learn more about her books and her writing process and know you'll enjoy it too. Connect with Kristen Parnell ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Pinterest | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I had so much fun connecting with my friends Misty Beller, Gabrielle Meyer, & Roseanna White. They each write historical fiction set in different time periods. Gabrielle Meyer's latest In This Moment is set during the beginnings of the Civil War, WWII, and the days leading up to 9/11. Roseanna White's A Beautiful Disguise is set in 1909 with an acrobatic set of aristocratic investigators — such fun. And Misty Beller's Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is set during the trader's rendezvous in 1837. After marveling at how much these homeschooling mamas who have each written more than 30 books have in common, we quickly turned to their books and how they developed the ideas for them. Idea sparks are a key part of the writing process. Often for the four of us, our best ideas for new books and series come from the research for the next series. And if you listen very carefully, you might just pick up an idea of what's coming next for each of these talented authors. I enjoy each of their books and can't wait for you to meet them! Connect with Misty Beller ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠TikTok | Pinterest | Instagram Connect with Gabrielle Meyer ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Instagram Connect with Roseanna White ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠  Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Sometimes you want a book that is richly layered with the best of stories. Author TI Lowe's next novel Indigo Isle is that. Inspired by the Prodigal Son and Beauty and the Beast, this story gripped my heart and didn't let go. I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with TI and learn more about her journey to publication and how she finds her stories. We talked about the importance of research and how it can be hard when researching tough topics like abusive relationships and what it's like when someone doesn't fight or fight, but freezes. We discussed the importance of respecting the experience of others when we write and how she makes space to walk away when the writing is hard. But we also talked about her love of the South infuses her books. You'll hear it in her accent and in the way she writes about Charleston and the surrounding islands. You can also learn about the books she's reading right now. Connect with TI Lowe ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Pinterest | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, it was such fun to reconnect with my writing friend Jaime Jo Wright. Since the last time she was on Book Talk, she's released two books: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and Premonition at Withers Farm. We talked all about her inspiration for Castle Moreau — Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, the Hungarian countess who was the inspiration for her villain, and why she writes gothic novels. We also talked about which comes first for her: Setting or Plot. The answer might surprise you. I think you'll enjoy this peek behind the curtain into her writing process and her latest novel. Connect with Jaime Jo Wright ⁠Instagram | Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | TikTok | YouTube Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Have you ever wondered what it was like to write Biblical fiction? Wondered how authors got their ideas? Then I'm so glad you can join us for this book talk with Angie Hunt and Connilyn Cossette. In this episode, we discuss many aspects of writing from how they find ideas to how they plot to how they use Scrivener (both are huge fans!). It was such a fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy it! Connect with Angela Hunt Facebook | Twitter Connect Connilyn Cossette Facebook | Twitter | Instagram For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

It's always fun to introduce you to new authors, and Crystal Caudill is an author whose second and third books release this spring. She's also a coauthor with me on a novella collection that releases later this fall. It's been such fun to get to know her through writing together, and it was fun to talk with her about her books Counterfeit Hope and Counterfeit Love. Crystal writes deeply atmospheric novels that are set during the Gilded Age with the Secret Service. She is a detailed researcher and it comes out in the way readers are immersed in the time period and career. I had such fun talking games and writing process with her and think you'll really enjoy getting to know Crystal! Connect with Crystal CaudillFacebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Today's guest, Melody Carlson, is the author of more than 200 novels for teens and women. Several of her novels have also been adapted into movies for Hallmark and other channels — on many authors' bucket lists! In this Book Talk, we chatted about where she gets her ideas, what you can expect when you pick up her recent novels, as well as her most recent novel Second Time Around. If you love DIY shows, then you will enjoy this sweet romance. I also picked her brain about screenplays and what it's like to turn her novels into that version of themselves. We chatted about which comes first plot or characters and if she's a plotter or pantser. I think you'll love getting to know this prolific author, who has more than 7.5 million copies of her books in print. Connect with Melody CarlsonFacebook Thanks to the sponsor of this episode — Revell! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Many of you have read and love Dani Pettrey's books. In fact, many of you asked me to have her on Book Talk, something I was delighted to do. Dani writes amazing romantic suspense and romantic adventure, books that are gripping and pull you deeply into the setting and group of friends. We had so much fun talking about her novels, her settings, how she writes multiple characters in each book and so much more. We chatted about the benefits of real versus fictional settings, how to dig deep into real settings, and the challenges of coming up with names for all of our characters. We talked about her plot mountains and process and the challenges of writing one series while editing another. We also talked about her novella that releases this month as the wrap-up to her best-selling Coastal Guardians series. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at Dani and her books. Connect with Dani PettreyFacebook | Instagram | GoodReads | Pinterest For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Are you a reader who loves a new series? Do you fly through a series as fast as you can? Do you also love some diversity in your reading? Then this is the Book Talk for you. In this episode, I connect with Shelley Shephard Gray, who writes Amish romance, Elizabeth Goddard, who writes great romantic suspense, and Amanda Cabot, who writes westerns set in 1880s Texas. In this conversation, we chat about their latest novels which all launch new series. So whether you love Amish, romantic suspense, historic Western romances, or want to try something new, this episode will introduce you to some great authors and books. Connect with Shelley Shephard GrayFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest Connect with Elizabeth GoddardFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest Connect with Amanda CabotFacebook | BookBub | Twitter For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I had so much fun talking books and Captain America with my friend J'Nell Ciesielski and think you'll enjoy meeting her and learning more about her early 20th-century novels. I adored her latest novel Brilliance of Stars which reminds me of Marvel movies that center on Captain America. There's a reason! The idea came to her while watching those. We talked all about research, WWI, what makes a hero heroic, and her writing journey. I hope you enjoy meeting her and learning more about her novels. Connect with J'Nell Ciesielski Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | Pinterest For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I always have way too much fun with these romantic suspense-writing friends. Today is no exception. Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters are authors whose books are those I preorder and read the moment they land on my Kindle or in my mailbox. In fact, I often end up with multiple copies. In this episode, I may have gushed about their latest novels, which happened to be the last books in each of their series. They claimed they were the hardest to write. I'm not sure I buy it because I adored the way the hero and heroine came together in each. We talked about what makes a great hero. The challenge about writing the last book in a series. And so much more. Enjoy — because we sure did! Connect with Lynette Eason Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Connect with Lynn H. Blackburn Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads Connect with Natalie Walters Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub Thank You to Revell for Sponsoring This Episode! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

This episode was such fun to record for several reasons. First, Tricia Goyer and I have been friends since I had two kids and she had three — I now have four and she has ten. I've known Christen Krumm for years as she's been a virtual assistant for many of my friends and now for me for years. And I always enjoy meeting new authors like Elly Gilbert. Why did we come together for this episode? Christen and Elly were selected through blind auditions to be authors on the Sunrise Big Sky Montana Amish series, extending Tricia's original best-selling series of books. It was so much fun to talk about their process, books, and celebrating — or lack of celebrating — the end. You'll enjoy learning more about what it's like to be mentored by an author of more than 80 titles and what makes a great hero. Connect with Tricia Goyer Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Newsletter Sign Up Connect with Christen Krumm Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | Newsletter Sign Up Connect with Elly Gilbert Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign Up For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Do you love slip-time novels? Adore World War II fiction? Love a book that can sweep you into the time and place in a way that makes you feel part of the action and story? Then you will love Melanie Dobson's books. It was a joy to connect with my friend and talk about her books. She has written thirty and we discussed her passion for telling stories of ordinary people in extraordinary times that are based on real people. But we also talked about the power of moving from the facts of journalism into the passion and emotion of story. I hope you enjoy getting to know more about Melanie and her books. Connect with Melanie Dobson Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub | GoodReads For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

When you meet Mary Connealy you meet an author who cares deeply about creating characters who resonate with readers. She wants to entertain while also touching people's hearts. Her stories do that for me every time and I love how her most recent stories are a combination of strong women and hearts. In this episode, we talk about how she finds her stories and why she's so passionate about writing these books about strong women set in the late 1800s. You'll love getting to know Mary. Our careers have run on parallel paths in many ways, but she has outpaced me in the number of books she's written, and I'm so glad. Connect with Mary Connealy Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | GoodReads | Amazon For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

There are few people I adore more in the writing world than Kristy Cambron, and you'll understand after listening (or watching) a few minutes of this Book Talk with Cara. Kristy is one of the warmest people I know and she is passionate about books. Her books have a wonderful blend of hope in the midst of darkness, usually war. I have loved her work since her debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, and in this episode, we talk about her latest novel The Italian Ballerina as well as the book she is writing now. We may geek out on all the research. Then we dive into her role as an agent, and she shares her wishlist of projects. If you're an aspiring writer, you do not want to miss her list. Connect with Kristy Cambron Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

On this episode of Book Talk, I get to introduce you to my friend Jill Eileen Smith. Jill is the author of twenty Biblical fiction novels. If there's a woman in the Old Testament, then she has probably written a novel bringing that woman's story to life. In this episode we discuss how she does her research, some of the books she's enjoyed writing, which books were challenging, and her next title Daughter of Eden. I hope you enjoy this look behind the scenes at what it's like for her to write these books that we get to enjoy. Connect with Jill Eileen Smith Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter! Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Revell Publishing!

In this episode, my good writing friends Jennifer Deibel, Laura Frantz, and Sarah Sundin join me as we talk about their upcoming books. We also dive into what it's like to write historical fiction. How do you know what to research? When to stop researching? The craziest things we've researched and so much more. We also talk about where we would recommend people travel related to our books. It was so much fun and I hope you enjoy this deep dive into what makes these authors' books so good. Feeling like you are in the time period and location are two of the keys. Connect with Laura Frantz Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter Connect with Sarah Sundin Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub Connect with Jennifer Deibel Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter! Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Revell Publishing!

What happens when you get five writers on a call talking about books, suspense, and more? A really fun call. Lisa Phillips, Megan Besing, Emilie Haney, Laura Conaway, and I talked about how we find time to write. The different seasons of life. The way we bring different things to our books based on different genres. Favorite writers we read. And so much more. I hope you enjoy watching this conversation about books with the writers who create them. Connect with Lisa Phillips Facebook | Instagram Connect with Megan Besing Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Pinterest Connect with Emilie Haney Facebook | Instagram Connect with Laura Conaway Facebook | Instagram For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

You asked for it, and we put together a great Book Talk with Deborah Raney and Tamera Alexander about their writing relationship. They have been critique partners for years and attribute much of their success to that shared brainstorming and more. You don't have to spend much time with these two to sense the deep love and respect they have for each other. Watch and you'll learn how their partnership started, their advice for how to find your own critique partner and so much more. It's a great 20 minutes, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Connect with Deborah Raney Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub Connect with Tamera Alexander Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Group Blog For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

In this episode of Book Talk, I'm chatting with my friend and author Erin Bartels. We talked about ideas, how she finds time to write, and so much more. Connect with Erin Bartels Facebook | Instagram For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter! Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Revell Publishing!

In this episode of Book Talk, I'm excited to introduce you to award-winning, best-selling author Lisa Phillips. I recently read Cold Dead Night and LOVED every page. Lisa writes for Love Inspired Suspense as well as being independently published and is one of the smartest people I know when it comes to creating a career in writing. She's written and published more than 60 books with two of them out this month. I had so much fun talking about her books, how she coordinates her series, being a mentor with Sunrise and so much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation, too! Connect with Lisa Phillips Facebook | Instagram For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app!

It's a privilege to introduce you to my friend Tosca Lee. She is the author of 12 novels, and they are each the type of book that sticks with you long after you close the cover. In this talk, we explore her books Demon: A Memoir, Havah: the story of Eve; and her upcoming release that is set during WWII. Throughout the conversation, we talk about writing and her approach to these challenging topics, and why I love her books. We also talk about what makes characters rich and memorable. I hope you enjoy this chance to learn more about Tosca and her books. Connect with Tosca Lee Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I had so much fun talking with my friend Carmen Schober. We met at the ACFW conference in September, and it was so much fun to have her on Book Talk! We talked about her first book, After She Falls, which just reached its first birthday. And then talked about her brand new book releasing December 6th, Pretty Little Pieces. We talked about how she writes hope into books that tackle hard issues. We also talked about how she finds writing time with three kids, four and under. Then we discussed what it means to deconstruct faith and what that looked like in her life and what she did about it. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Can you believe this is episode 71? I never thought I'd have one episode, yet here we are. So very fun! And this time I'm joined by my friend and debut author Kelly Underwood. It was a delight to welcome Kelly Underwood. We celebrated the release of her debut novel Defending Honor, which is part of Sunrise Publishing's Elite Guardian series with Lynette Eason. I love that series, and Kelly does a wonderful job bringing Laila to life, with just the right amount of Ziva flair. We also talked about writing, Dublin, and where the next series will be set. I hope you enjoy learning more about Kelly and her book! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I know it's going to be a good day when I get to talk Romantic Suspense with some of my favorite authors. Today I chatted with Hallee Bridgeman, Patricia Bradley, and Melissa Koslin about their upcoming releases. We also chatted about writing styles (Pantser, plotter, evolving), where ideas come from, and so much more. If you're looking for a new romantic suspense author to try, you can stop right here. I love each of their books and think you will, too. And when I say I love their books, I mean my fingers itch to get a hold of the next copy. They are sooooo good! Characters you'll love. Settings you feel immersed in. And a plot that keeps your fingers flipping pages. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

If you've listened to the podcast before, then you've met my friend Rachel Hauck. This time she's on with her two co-authors Carrie Padgett and Mandy Boerma. Together they've returned to Heart's Bend, the home of several of Rachel's books. Tonight we chatted about how they came up with their ideas, what the brainstorming retreat was like, whether they celebrate their releases and more. Rachel also drops pearls of writing advice. I'd love to know what you think. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I had so much fun hanging out with my romantic suspense writing friends Mary Alford, Elizabeth Goddard, and Natalie Walters. We chatted about writing, plotting and pantsing, how ideas come to life, and much more. Did you know two of these authors love eating peanut M&Ms while they write? Do you know who'd they like to spend time with? Then come join the conversation. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

If you love romantic suspense, you are going to love this conversation with author Sami Abrams. We talked about her journey to reading and writing, and what it's been like to write with Lynette Eason. She also gave great advice to aspiring writers about writing books she keeps close as well as how to take your time and grow. Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I had the pleasure of hosting Amanda Cabot, Rachel Fordham, Laura Frantz, Ann H Gabhart, and Stephenia H. McGee faithful readers team. I loved having these ladies on Book Talk and hope you enjoy this chance to learn more about their books. We talked about why they write what they do, how they found their time period, what their writing sweet spot is, how ideas come to them, who they love to read, and more. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

It was so much fun to have Kelli Stuart and Joanna Davidson Politano join me today for a special Book Talk about creating international novels. If you love to travel through history and the world in your books, you will enjoy learning more about both of these authors and their books. I love Joanna's atmospheric and lyrical stories. You will be absolutely transported as you read them. And I just read Kelli's The Master Craftsman last week and LOVED the National Treasure feel of this novel that is set in pre-Revolution Russia and today. We talked about research, travel, pantsing historical novels, our mutual love for CS Lewis and Madeline L'Engle, and so much more. There's so much that goes into this genre, and these ladies do it so well! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I’m delighted to host a special edition of Book Talk with four guests: Melody Carlson, Irene Hannon, Liz Johnson, and Suzanne Woods Fisher. We had such fun talking about how they get their ideas, which comes first characters or plot, and so much more. How many books they've written (Melody is over 300!), how they celebrate another book, and how many hours a day they write. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I had so much fun as Lynette Eason, Lisa Harris, and Lynn H. Blackburn joined me for a special edition of Book Talk. We discussed their current books, how they became writers, what inspired their ideas, and so much more. It's a quick and fun half-hour that gives you a chance to know them as the writers behind the amazing stories. We also talked about why romantic suspense and the importance of hope in the midst of evil. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

If you love romantic suspense, especially the kind that includes K-9 partners, you are going to love this conversation with author Jerusha Agen. We talked about why story is so important to her and why she sees it as a responsibility to wield the power of story well. She also gave great advice to aspiring writers to read deeply in the genre they want to write, but to read with awareness. Ask yourself questions about why something did or didn't work. Jerusha imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Anyone else inhale the Little House on the Prairie series — probably multiple times — growing up? If so, you definitely want to watch this episode of Book Talk because Allison Pittman is giving us all the behind-the-scenes into her next book Laura's Shadow. In this book, she takes two characters and Cap Garland and creates a dual timeline book that explores the world around Laura Ingalls Wilder. Allison and I talk about her research, who is better Cap or Gilbert Blythe (we don't agree!), and how she finds her story ideas. It's all about wondering about the story we don't know. The something we don't see in history and exploring that space. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Oh my goodness, y'all. I feel like I've just taken a vacation to Ireland in the best possible way — well, other than actually getting off the plane in Dublin. Jennifer Diebel and her family lived in Ireland for a combined six years (plus a bonus 1.5 years in Viena!). The flavors, sights, and smells of Ireland permeate her books as well as the language and social justice. If you haven't picked up her latest novel, Lady of Galway Manor, I recommend it. I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Join us and learn about her writing process, Ireland, ideas, third culture kids, and so much more. Jennifer Deibel's latest book the Lady of Galway Manor. She is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com. Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, won the 2021 Kipp Award in Historical Fiction, and The Lady of Galway Manor made the Parable Group’s bestseller list two weeks in a row. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I'm delighted to introduce you to my friend Gabrielle Meyer. In this episode of Book Talk, we talked about her brand new novel When the Day Comes and how the idea developed. It's such an interesting premise that doesn't fit neatly into a genre. We also talked about how she writes six books a year, the American Dollar Princesses, and what writing the longer novels allows her to do. We also chatted about how her dream of writing for Bethany House came true with this book. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I'm delighted to introduce you to my friend and mentor Colleen Coble. She writes the best romantic suspense and is why I'm published. Many of you first found her through the Rock Harbor series, but she has written many best-selling, award-winning novels. In this video, you get to share where you think she should set her next series, learn about why she pours her time into other authors through American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and why we love readers. You'll also learn why she's one of my dearest writing friends. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter! Episode analytics

Tricia Goyer has been a writing friend, mentor, and coauthor for years. We've taught writing together, written a novella collection and multiple cozy mysteries together, and lived life together in so many wonderful and hard ways. She is truly one of the reasons writing has been a wonderful add-on to my life. It's been so much richer with her in my life. So tonight I'm thrilled to introduce you to her. You will love meeting this author of 75 books and more than 500 articles and learning about her fiction and nonfiction, including her latest book Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances. I'm so glad you can be part of our conversation! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I adore Liz Tolsma. She is such a wonderful person and writer. She writes one of my favorite genres (WWII) but also writes dual timelines and more. Tonight we talked about her newest novel A Promise Engraved and the fun and challenges of getting the right cover and novel. We also talked about the fun of research and research trails that take us all over, the difference between writing contemporary and historical, the challenges of writing a dual timeline novel, and so much more. You'll enjoy learning more about Liz and her passion for a good story. You can check out all of her books right here. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

I'm delighted to introduce you to my friend Nicole Deese. Her new novel All That It Takes was released on April 5, and I have really enjoyed it. During this talk, we chat about her characters and how they were secondary characters that waved their hands for a book of their own. This book is rich with themes like the importance of one person and the lie of hierarchies of callings in the church. She answered questions from readers including advice for new writers and the importance of keeping our eyes on our own page. Then she shared her adoption story and how she surrendered one dream in pursuit of another -- and then God in His grace gave both to her. I hope you enjoy getting to meet her as we discussed her contemporary romance. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Tonight was a fun Book Talk with Australian author Carolyn Miller. I love her Regency novels and am excited to talk about her contemporary romance series. I love that her contemporary series is set in the Original Six NHL hockey teams -- hockey might mean field hockey in Canada, but she's jumped right into conveying the energy and action of ice hockey in this series. We talked about research, the fun of writing two genres, all the ideas in her head, and the fun we're anticipating working together on a novella collection that releases next April (2023). I hope you enjoy this conversation. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!