Lynda Cohen Loigman - The Magic of Historical Love Stories
In this episode, Elena interviews Lynda Cohen Loigman about her latest book, 'The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern,' which has made it to Elena's rolling top 10 books. They discuss the novel's dual timeline, set in a 1920s Brooklyn pharmacy and a 1980s Florida retirement home, its themes of second chances and the magic of youth. Lynda reads an excerpt from the book and shares her inspiration, drawn from family stories and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the historical role of pharmacies, the impact of timing and secrets in the plot, and the power of words. Linda also gives a glimpse into her next book, a coming-of-age story set in 1965.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:26 Book Overview: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern02:01 Reading from Chapter One06:35 Inspiration Behind the Book17:21 Pharmacy and Historical Context31:05 Soap Opera Secrets and Storytelling32:28 Character Dynamics and Plot Twists33:30 Inspiration from O. Henry36:11 Research and Writing Process37:50 Themes in Historical Fiction41:57 The Power of Words46:53 Upcoming Projects and Recommendations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Exploring Genetic Mysteries and Writing Journeys with Joselin Linder
In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Joselin Linder, author of 'The Family Gene', about her family's unique genetic history and its profound impact. Joselin shares harrowing and hopeful personal stories, discussing the challenges of genetic diseases and the breakthroughs made by a Harvard geneticist. We delve into her writing career, her role as a writing coach, and her latest project, the subscription-based platform Prose Playground. Joselin reads an excerpt from her memoir and reflects on the process of translating complex scientific data into relatable narratives. We also explore her early writing career and the important role a sense of community provides for writers, hence Joselin’s desire to launch Prose Playground.Learn more about Prose Playground HERE00:00 Introduction to Joselin Linder and Her Family's Genetic Journey00:44 Jocelyn's Writing Journey and Teaching Experience01:36 Reading from 'The Family Gene'02:34 The Genetic Mystery Unfolds10:39 The Emotional Impact of Genetic Diseases14:02 Hope and Advances in Genetic Research22:21 The Journey to Teaching at Gotham22:29 Writing Under Tight Deadlines24:06 Creating a Writing Community28:50 The Importance of Writing Groups33:01 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Exploring the Secrets of Southern France with Neroli Lacey
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neroli, the author of the thrilling debut novel 'The Perfumer's Secret'. Set in the scenic region of Grasse, where the Mediterranean meets the Alps, this book is a love letter to French culture, tradition, and the art of perfume-making. We discussed the book's central theme of multifaceted truths through its dynamic plot and sublime setting. Neroli shared insights into her creative journey, research, and character development, as well as personal anecdotes that inspired the story. She also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming books and recommended some must-reads for our listeners. Enjoy this captivating conversation and don't miss out on getting a free copy of 'The Perfumer's Secret' on e-book!Download your free copy of The Perfumer's Secret by Neroli Lacey here!00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:11 Overview of 'The Perfumer's Secret'00:54 Main Character and Plot Introduction01:32 Themes and Motifs03:08 Author's Journey and Background06:22 Reading from the Book10:28 Personal Connection to Perfume13:21 Research and Inspiration19:14 The Solitary Joy of Writing19:56 Creating Memorable Characters20:39 The Inspiration Behind Zandy and Dominique23:19 Supporting Characters and Their Roles24:05 The Art of Perfumery26:35 Upcoming Collaborations and Projects29:36 The Vineyarder's Secret33:16 Writing Process and Retreat Stories35:30 Book Recommendations37:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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37:56
Elinor Lipman on Every Tom, Dick, and Harry and Writing Inspiration
In this episode, I chat with the beloved and prolific novelist Elinor Lipman about her latest book, Every Tom, Dick, and Harry. This humorous story follows Emma Lewis as she navigates taking over her parents' struggling estate sale business. Elinor shares insights into her writing process, overcoming writer's block, and finding inspiration from everyday experiences like estate sales. We also dive into her personal love story with Jonathan, a British art appraiser, and how her real-life experiences influence her work. Tune in to hear why Elinor believes in the power of polishing and being open to ideas. You can listen to this episode of Elena Meets the Author wherever you listen to podcasts. Please subscribe, and I look forward to seeing you in two weeks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:19 Inspiration and Writing Process04:36 Reading from the Book06:23 Personal Connections and Experiences13:35 Challenges and Surprises in Writing15:55 Research and Real-Life Influences22:19 Monetizing Jonathan: A Writer's Journey22:49 The Evolution of a Relationship25:29 Small Town Settings and Inspirations28:54 Writing Process and Challenges31:24 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations36:20 Daily Writing Routine38:4539:41 Collaborations and Events41:18 Final Thoughts and Farewells This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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43:07
Exploring the Depths of Women's Fiction with Rochelle Weinstein
In this episode of 'Elena Meets the Author,' Elena interviews Rochelle Weinstein, a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged women's fiction novels. Rochelle discusses her new book, 'We Are Made of Stars,' set in an idyllic inn in North Carolina and featuring a host of complex characters. She shares her journey from secretive journal writer to published author, the inspirations behind her characters and settings, and her approach to writing and building suspense. The episode concludes with insights into her future projects and book recommendations. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Meet Rochelle Weinstein 01:11 Synopsis of 'We Are Made of Stars' 02:15 Rochelle's Writing Journey 05:31 Themes and Inspirations 07:20 The Setting and Characters 11:14 Reading from Chapter One 24:48 Crafting Suspense and Future Projects 29:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
Welcome to Elena Meets the Author, the Podcast that brings you intimate conversations with authors about the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a curious creator, or simply love diving into the minds of creative thinkers, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories come to life.
Each episode features an in-depth interview with an author as they share their unique journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the inspiration behind their work. From uncovering the spark of an idea to navigating the ups and downs of the creative process, we explore the human side of writing. My goal is to inspire and connect listeners with the magic of storytelling while celebrating the diversity of voices shaping today’s literary landscape.
This podcast is especially for people who enjoy exploring creativity, personal growth, and the stories that move us. But the insights and inspiration we uncover are universal, offering something for anyone who appreciates the power of words.
Tune in for thoughtful conversations that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and ready to embrace your own creative journey.
New episodes released biweekly!
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