Best Insert Writing Podcasts (2026)

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens from Zero to Well-Read 1:14:42

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3d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

When in Romance is taking a short holiday break, so we thought we'd share an episode from our newest Book Riot Podcast, Zero to Well-Read, in which Jeff and Rebecca revisit Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, a story so familiar it’s often mistaken for simple. They consider its moral stakes, its enduring influence on readers and society, and why S…

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Jess and Trisha’s Faves of 2025 1:09:21

20d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Jess and Trisha talk about some of their favorite romance reads of 2025, including books that are light and fun, books that pack an emotional punch, books with mysteries, books with sports…and more! Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! We’ve got the…

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[Debbie Urbanski: What’s coming up]: Finding the courage to ‘write something really weird’ Ep 1241 15:03

1M ago15:03

15:03

Welcome back to the final installment of my interview with Debbie Urbanski, author of the novel “Afterworld,” in which an AI witnesses the last days of the last person on earth, and the story collection “Portalmania,” which combines sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and realism to explore a long list of juicy topics, including betrayal, revenge, parenthood,…

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[Debbie Urbanski, inner stuff]: Embracing wrong turns as a key part of the creative process Ep 1240 20:59

1M ago20:59

20:59

My guest this week is Debbie Urbanski, whose writing focuses on the intersections of horror, fantasy, science fiction, memoir, and often the planet. Her debut novel, “Afterworld,” narrates the last days of the last human on Earth's life, as told by an AI. It was named a best book of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times.…

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2025 Recommendations Requests: Part 2! 1:03:45

1M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Jess and Trisha offer romance recommendations for characters with diabetes, characters who are immigrants, characters who are dinosaurs (or dinosaur adjacent) and more! Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! We’ve got the chops to match the book lover…

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[Debbie Urbanski, practical matters]: The slow, important, sometimes painful work of weaning yourself off of external validation Ep 1239 21:39

1M ago21:39

21:39

My guest this week is Debbie Urbanski, whose writing focuses on the intersections of horror, fantasy, science fiction, memoir, and often the planet. Her debut novel, “Afterworld,” narrates the last days of the last human on Earth's life, as told by an AI. It was named a best book of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times.…

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[Beth Macy: What’s coming up]: Her advice for folks who are worried about talking to their family at the Thanksgiving table Ep 1238 13:25

2M ago13:25

13:25

Welcome to the final installment of my interview with Beth Macy, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of “Factory Man,” “Dopesick,” and her newest book, “Paper Girl,” which uses a blend of memoir and reporting to examine the rural-urban divide through the lens of her hometown of Urbana, Ohio. Beth was the first in her family to go to…

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[Beth Macy, inner stuff]: Inserting humor, asking for help, and the interview question she stole from Denzel Washington Ep 1237 16:43

2M ago16:43

16:43

Welcome to the second part of my interview with award-winning journalist Beth Macy, author of the brand new book “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America” about how politics has divided her hometown of Urbana, Ohio and even her own family. It’s a hard, heart-stirring read for anyone who wonders, “How did we get here? And how …

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2025 Recommendations Requests: Part 1! 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

'Tis the season! Jess and Trisha offer recommendations for paranormal romances that aren’t toxic, queernorm romance, epistolary romances, and more! Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! We’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with th…

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[Beth Macy, practical matters]: How to figure out the kind of storyteller you are Ep 1236 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

My guest this week is Beth Macy, the award-winning author of three New York Times bestselling books that examine rural communities left behind by corporate greed and political indifference. Beth's first book, “Factory Man”, explored the aftermath of globalization on rural communities and won a J. Anthony Lucas Prize. “Dopesick,” her investigation o…

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[Eric Jay Dolin, part 3: what's next]: Why his kids hate going to museums with him Ep 1235 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

In the final part of my interview with maritime history author Eric Jay Dolin, we get a tantalizing look at his next book, which he's working on now, about a shipwreck in the Pacific that involves a clash of East and West. We also covered: - Why his kids hate going to museums with him - Using a desire to travel as motivation for selling more books …

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[Eric Jay Dolin, part 2: inner stuff]: Taking aim at the belief that if you work hard, everything will work out Ep 1234 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

In the second part of my conversation with Eric Jay Dolin, (author of "Left for Dead," a true story about a captain of a sealing ship who was marooned on the Falkland Islands for 18 months in the early 1800s), we talk about the squishier side of writing, including dealing with your inner critic, getting through the parts of sharing your work that y…

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People Who Dislike Philosophy See the Graveyard but Not the Village in Which It Sits 8:15

2M ago8:15

8:15

Many people feel that philosophy is not relevant to their lives. That feeling is completely mistaken, but it’s understandable how someone could come to feel that way. Philosophy isn’t dead, but most philosophers are — not just those people writing papers for academic journals but also those teaching philosophy courses. My Philosophy Textbook Showin…

501
Still No Beverly Jenkins Cinematic Universe… 1:03:25

2M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Jess and Trisha share adaptation news, highlight books by Native and Indigenous romance authors, and remind listeners to send in their recommendation requests. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book …

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[Eric Jay Dolin, part 1: practical matters]: Making the leap from marine biologist to author Ep 1233 27:45

2M ago27:45

27:45

Calling all lovers of true tales about the sea! This week I'm talking with Eric J. Dolin, bestselling author of numerous books that explore some aspect of American history, generally as it relates to the sea. His latest book is "Left for Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World." Eric has a really interesting through line t…

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[Alma Katsu: what’s coming up]: Drawing creative inspiration from the news cycle Ep 1232 17:16

3M ago17:16

17:16

Welcome back to the final installment of my interview with Alma Katsu, award winning author of nine novels, including the historical horror novels,"The Hunger," "The Deep," and "The Fervor," and two spy novels that draw on her long career in intelligence, "Red Widow" and "Red London." Alma's newest book is the contemporary horror novel "Fiend," whi…

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[Alma Katsu, inner stuff]: Navigating the crosshairs of ageism and sexism Ep 1231 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

Welcome to part two of my interview with Alma Katsu, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including the historical horror novels, "The Hunger," "The Deep," and "The Fervor," and the spy novels, "Red Widow" and "Red London." Alma's newest book is "Fiend," which examines our fascination with the ultra rich in a setting …

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Failing Our Students: The COVID Microgeneration and Corporatization 15:05

2M ago15:05

15:05

Failing Our Students. Part 1: The two cursed cohorts have reached college and they are struggling and the system is failing them. Part 2: Corporatization is diluting higher education. Link mentioned in the episode. Rethinking the GenerationsBy Douglas Giles

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Suspending Disbelief: When In Romance Fall Book Club 1:00:28

3M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Jess and Trisha talk about fall, The Enchanted Hacienda, and some magicky romance appropriate for this (or any) season. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next …

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[Alma Katsu, practical matters]: Using fiction to change minds Ep 1230 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

My guest this week is Alma Katsu, the award-winning, critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of nine novels. Alma has written two spy novels, "Red Widow" and "Red London," inspired by her 35-year career working in intelligence. She also writes novels that combine historical fiction with supernatural and horror elements. "The Hunger"…

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[Dolen Perkins-Valdez: What’s coming up]: Thinking carefully about how to use time more wisely Ep 1229 15:53

3M ago15:53

15:53

In this final installment of my interview with Dolan Perkins Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of “Wench,” “Bomb,” “Take My Hand,” and most recently, Happyland, we get a peek at where her personal throughline is leading her next and hear her answers to my fast final five questions about what she’s currently reading, listening to, and dr…

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[Dolen Perkins-Valdez, inner stuff]: Writing what’s in your heart, not what you think will sell Ep 1228 22:43

3M ago22:43

22:43

Dolan Perkins Valdez, multiple award-winning author of “Wench,” “Bomb,” and “Take My Hand.” Her newest book, “Happyland,” is inspired by the true story of a secret community of formerly enslaved people in Appalachia. In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty of the ideas, thought processes, and beliefs that fuel her work, including: The part of…

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Grumpy to Happy Ratio: Recommendations for New Romance Readers 56:52

3M ago56:52

56:52

Jess and Trisha talk about your recommendations for first time romance readers before digging into theirs - from historical to contemporary, dramatic to comedic, and low heat to...The Dragon’s Bride. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a …

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[Dolen Perkins-Valdez, practical matters]: Teasing out–and trusting–your process Ep 1227 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

My guest this week is Dolan Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Wench,” “Balm,” “Take My Hand,” and most recently, “Happy Land.” Her books are all inspired by fascinating facets of American history that are in danger of being forgotten. They have earned awards from the NAACP, the Black Caucus of the American Library…

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Am I One of those Immigrants Right-Wing Politicians Want You to Hate? 20:50

3M ago20:50

20:50

Right-wing politicians, including Donald Trump this week at the United Nations, stoke fear and hate against immigrants. Let’s replace black and white thinking with the many colors of reality. #Immigration #HumanRightsBy Douglas Giles

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[Ann Tashi Slater, what’s coming up]: How looking at the sky can help us be more creative Ep 1226 19:50

3M ago19:50

19:50

Welcome to the final installment of my interview with Ann Tashi Slater, author of the new book, “Traveling in Bardo, the Art of Living in an Impermanent World.” - How staying attuned to the seasons inspires her (and the Japanese word for an aspect of summer I had never heard before but reminds me of my favorite place to spend a summer morning, AKA …

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[Ann Tashi Slater, inner stuff]: How acknowledging the pain of NOT writing can help you commit to your creative work Ep 1225 24:42

4M ago24:42

24:42

Welcome to part two of my interview with Ann Tashi Slater, author of the new book, “Traveling in Bardo: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World.” Bardo is a Buddhist concept that describes a transitional state, such as between death and rebirth, but also about being alive and in between being born and dying. In Traveling in Bardo, Anne shares how…

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The Cowardice of Charlie Kirk 16:15

3M ago16:15

16:15

And you may ask, “How could you say that Charlie Kirk is a coward? Didn’t he frequently speak in public?” Good question. Charlie Kirk wasn’t a coward for speaking in public; Charlie Kirk was a coward because of why he was speaking in public. Links mentioned in the episode. Kirk didn’t agree that no one should die from gun violence. The description …

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A Trifecta of Kellys 1:04:35

4M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Jess and Trisha talk about the success of the Kickstarter model for book publishing and celebrate Sapphic September with some recs. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you fin…

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[Ann Tashi Slater practical matters]: On listening, following your obsessions, and knowing when to set the pen down Ep 1224 21:04

4M ago21:04

21:04

My guest this week is Ann Tashi Slater, who for decades has written about her Tibetan American heritage and about Buddhism in Western society for the New Yorker, the Paris Review, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, among other outlets. Her brand new book, “Traveling in Bardo:The Art of Living in an Impermanent World,” helps us find meanin…

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[Nancy Johnson: what’s coming up]: An inside peek at Nancy’s vision board Ep 1223 16:40

4M ago16:40

16:40

Welcome back to the final installment of my interview with Nancy Johnson, author of “People of Means,” which was one of People magazine's most anticipated books of 2025, and “The Kindest Lie”, which was a book of the month club and Target book club selection. In today’s episode, I felt like we were getting a tour through Nancy’s vision board–as wel…

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[Nancy Johnson, inner stuff]: Developing the faith that you are on the right path at the right time Ep 1222 25:05

4M ago25:05

25:05

Welcome back to part two of my interview with Nancy Johnson, author of “People of Means,” a story of class, culture, mothers and daughters, and the fight for racial equality in the not so distant American past. Nancy's first book, The Kindest Lie, was a Book of the Month Club selection and a Target book club pick. This episode gets into some real e…

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[Nancy Johnson, practical matters]: Transforming the things that keep you up at night into creative fodder Ep 1221 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

My guest this week is Nancy Johnson, whose newest novel, “People of Means,” is a propulsive story of race, class, and resistance in 1960s Nashville and 1992 Chicago. It was also one of People Magazine's most anticipated books of 2025. Nancy's debut novel, “The Kindest Lie,” was a Target book club pick and a New York Times editor's choice. A native …

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[Lisa See, what’s coming up]: Bracing yourself to write about tragic events Ep 1220 22:25

4M ago22:25

22:25

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Kate Hanley

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[Lisa See, inner stuff]: The fine art of making revisions (when everything in you wants to avoid it) Ep 1219 22:32

4M ago22:32

22:32

In the second part of my conversation with Lisa See, author of Lady Tan's Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, and more, we talked about the interior side of writing–things like dealing with your inner critic and dealing with the parts of writing and of life you would really rather not do, including: - The fascinating tidbit of information her…

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Inserting Joy Into Your Day 55:37

5M ago55:37

55:37

Jess and Trisha talk through some updates (book club is back!!) and then turn the conversation to vacation/getaway-themed romances. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you love books and know the…

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[Lisa See, practical matters]: Why we need to tell the stories that have been kept secret Ep 1218 18:37

5M ago18:37

18:37

This week my guest is Lisa See, the New York Times bestselling author of so many beloved books, including Lady Tan's Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, Snow Flower and the Secret Ban, Shanghai Girls, and Dreams of Joy. Lisa's books often center the experience of women across time and cultures, particularly stories that have been lost, forgot…

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The Precursor to Hate 13:38

5M ago13:38

13:38

What precedes hate is fear and the psychological inability to cope with fear. Hate is a symptom of giving in to the fear of those who are different and choosing to hide behind false views of other people rather than face the reality of how others actually are. Understanding hatred in this way gives clarity to many things.…

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[Catherine Bush: What’s coming up]: Figuring out what you want the next 5-10 years to look like Ep 1217 20:44

5M ago20:44

20:44

My guest this week is Catherine Bush, whose critically-acclaimed fiction (her book “Blaze Island” was named a “Globe and Mail” best book of the year and “The Rules of Engagement” was a “New York Times” notable book) often addresses the climate question. For example, in her most recent collection, “Skin”, a man falls in love with the wind. In this f…

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[Catherine Bush, inner stuff]: Learning to trust your own process Ep 1216 24:04

5M ago24:04

24:04

In part two of my conversation with Catherine Bush, author of five novels and the story collection “Skin,” we did a deep dive into the inner work required to nurture a multi-decade writing career, including: - Making peace with your personal process–even when it’s slow, messy, and meandering - The story in her new collection that her editor wanted …

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Breaking the Podcast Timing Rules 57:55

5M ago57:55

57:55

Jess and Trisha talk about a TON of adaptations (or possible adaptations) and then get into the books they’re excited about for the second half of 2025. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you lo…

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[Catherine Bush, practical matters]: Figuring out how to “create a life that gives me time and space and money to write” Ep 1215 22:31

5M ago22:31

22:31

This week my guest is Catherine Bush, author of five novels, including the widely acclaimed “Blaze Island,” “Accusation,” and “The Rules of Engagement.” Catherine's brand new book is “Skin,” her first collection of stories. Catherine is a professor of creative writing at the University of Guelph and was a 2024 Landhouse Fellow at the Rachel Carson …

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What the Epstein Files Tell Us about the Right Wing 14:25

5M ago14:25

14:25

Let’s go beyond the schadenfreude of watching MAGA having a conniption over Pam Bondi covering up the Epstein files. Instead of having a watch party hoping to see some kind of anti-Trump revolt, and breathlessly keeping score of every statement made by people about Epstein, Bondi, and Trump like its some kind of sick sports game, let’s dig a little…

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[Sheree L. Greer: what’s coming up]: Making decisions based on what feels good Ep 1214 17:34

5M ago17:34

17:34

In this third and final installment of my conversation with author and Pushcart-nominated essayist and writing teacher (and new mom!) Sheree L. Greer, she said “we’re veering into therapy territory now, Kate,” when I asked her if there was anything she was in the process of shifting, which I took as a very good sign that we were getting into some v…

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[Sheree L. Greer, inner stuff]: Committing to the work, “even when it hurts a little bit” Ep 1213 28:15

5M ago28:15

28:15

In part two of my interview with Puschart-nominated essayist, novelist, and writing instructor Sheree L. Greer, we get into the nitty gritty of the thought processes, ideas, and attitudes that shape her work and her identity. We talked about: - Pushing your creative boundaries to try new genres and forms - How she gets through the discomfort of sha…

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Lowercase “N” Nemesis 1:05:03

5M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Jess and Trisha do a tiny bit of fun news and then get into the Dramione of it all before talking about favorite 2025 romance releases so far. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations i…

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[Sheree L. Greer, practical matters]: How to affirm to yourself that you are, in fact, an artist Ep 1212 23:40

5M ago23:40

23:40

My guest this week is writer, author, teacher, and arts administrator, Sheree L. Greer. Sheree is the author of two novels, “Let the Lover Be” and “A Return to Arms,” and an award-nominated essayist, with two of her essays having been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Sheree is also the founder of Kitchen Table Literary Arts—a Tampa Bay writing commu…

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[Jinwoo Park: what’s coming up]: Writing as a vehicle for becoming a better person Ep 1211 20:35

6M ago20:35

20:35

Welcome back to the final installment of my interview with Jinwoo Park, debut author of Oxford Soju Club, which is coming out in September of this year. In today’s episode, Jinwoo shared some really great insights about how embracing your creativity filters out into all parts of your life, especially relationships. I left this conversation feeling …

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[Jinwoo Park, inner stuff]: Building your tolerance for sharing imperfect work Ep 1210 20:16

6M ago20:16

20:16

In this second part of my interview with Jinwoo Park, author of the soon to be released “Oxford Soju Club,” an award-winning thriller, we talk about the interior side of building a life as a writer. We discussed: - How sharing social media content helps him be a better writer - Staying open to feedback - Appreciating the one- and two-star reviews -…

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Philosophical Observations from My Travels in America 30:38

6M ago30:38

30:38

I spent most of May and June traveling through the United States. I grew up there, but I've lived in Europe since 2012. This trip was my longest stint returning to America. These are my thoughts and observations.By Douglas Giles