Wild Precious Life

• Some Bright Nowhere with Ann Packer

  Ann Packer is the author of six works of fiction, including the bestselling novels The Children’s Crusade and The Dive from Clausen’s Pier, which received the Kate Chopin Literary Award, among many other honors. In this episode, Annmarie and Ann discuss Ann’s new book, SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE, a novel about all the messy, complicated, beautiful, and impossible decisions when it comes to end-of-life care for someone you love.  Episode Sponsors: Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their works which were broadcast live on stations WSUI and WOI and which was the only regular literary series of its kind. All of this could not have been possible without a loyal customer base and a dedicated staff. Learn more or shop online at prairielights.com. Green Apple Books – In San Francisco, connecting curious readers to great books since 1967. Browsing at Green Apple is a unique experience. From our handmade signs and book recommendations to the many nooks and crannies, you can both get lost in here and find serendipity. Our friendly, well-read employees also stand ready to help you in any way. For your next great read, stop by or go to greenapplebooks.com. Writing by Ann Packer  Some Bright Nowhere Swim Back to Me Mendocino and Other Stories The Children’s Crusade  Songs Without Words The Dive from Clausen’s Pier Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Loved and Missed, by Susie Boyt And here’s a recipe for butterscotch pudding from Gjelina in Venice. Follow Ann Packer: Instagram: @annpacker Facebook: @annpacker **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.  If you’re interested in growing your own practice as a writing instructor, you can learn more about an upcoming teacher training class here. And if you’re interested in traveling with your writing practice, Annmarie will be leading workshops in Santa Fe, NM and Paris, France in 2026. Reservations for both open soon. Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Answer Is in the Wound with Kelly Sundberg

  Kelly Sundberg is a writer and Capricorn and teacher and redhead and recent author of The Answer Is in the Wound. In this episode, Kelly and Annmarie talk about trauma, rage, grief, healing, and everything in-between, as they interrogate what it takes for someone to move beyond domestic violence and learn to love again.  Content Warning: Domestic Violence If you or someone you know is in search of assistance to break free from partner abuse, there are people standing by 24-7 to help.  Call 1-800-799-SAFE, that’s 1-800-799-7233. Do not suffer in silence.  Episode Sponsors: Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their works which were broadcast live on stations WSUI and WOI and which was the only regular literary series of its kind. All of this could not have been possible without a loyal customer base and a dedicated staff. Learn more or shop online at prairielights.com. Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at gramercybooksbexley.com Writing by Kelly Sundberg: It Will Look Like a Sunset Goodbye, Sweet Girl The Answer is in the Wound: Trauma, Rage, and Alchemy Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Molly, by Blake Butler Hotshot: A Life on Fire, by River Selby American Bloodlines: Reckoning with Lynch Culture, by Sonya Lea In case you’ve missed it, here’s a trailer for Gilmore Girls. Follow Kelly Sundberg: Instagram: @ksundber kellysundberg.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.  Photo Credit: Rachel Barehl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• All the Men I’ve Loved Again with Christine Pride

  Christine Pride is an editor, writing instructor, and author whose debut solo novel ALL THE MEN I’VE LOVED AGAIN is out now. In this episode, Christine and Annmarie talk about the importance of female friendships, being daddy’s girls, and the improbable fun of reconnecting with an old flame decades after you thought the fire had burned out. Episode Sponsors: The Little Bookshop – Bookstore, cafe, and soon to be bar. A community of readers, dreamers, and creatives. The Little Bookshop is a unique space in Brooklyn that offers a cozy atmosphere for all book lovers and socializers. Stop by or find your next great read at thelittlebookshopbk.com. Books Are Magic – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at booksaremagic.net. Books by Christine Pride: You Were Always Mine, by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza We Are Not Like Them, by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza All the Men I’ve Loved Again, by Christine Pride Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Awake, by Jen Hatmaker The Keeper of Lost Children, by Sadeqa Johnson Here’s a trailer for the film The Five Heartbeats. Follow Christine Pride: Instagram: @cpride christinepride.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  If you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here.  Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. Photo Credit: Christine Han Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Bigger with Ren Cedar Fuller

  Ren Cedar Fuller is a writer, preschool founder, and parent facilitator at TransFamilies, an online hub for families with gender diverse children. And she’s the author of Bigger, a collection of personal essays and winner of the 2024 Autumn House Nonfiction Prize. In this episode, Annmarie and Ren talk about neurodivergent parenting, collective sibling memories, and how to be loving advocates for gender nonconforming children.  Episode Sponsors: Brain Lair Books – A black-owned, woman-owned children's bookstore located in South Bend, Indiana. At Brain Lair, we partner with local schools and universities to help build an inclusive, welcoming community. We specialize in juvenile and young adult literature written by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and Disabled communities, as well as adult nonfiction about ending white supremacy, promoting anti-racism, and becoming a social activist. We can help you find the books you need. Drop by or browse online at brainlairbooks.com. Browsers Bookshop – Olympia's downtown independent bookstore since 1935. At Browsers, we make it our work to support both emerging and established literary voices, and our staff work tirelessly to match readers of all ages with their next favorite book. Stop by or shop online at browsersolympia.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Bigger: Essays, by Ren Cedar Fuller On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong Here’s a trailer for the series The Leftovers.  Follow Ren Cedar Fuller: Instagram: @RenCedarFuller  rencedarfuller.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  Or if you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here.  Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Renegade Grief with Carla Fernandez

  Carla Fernandez is an impact strategist, facilitator and writer exploring how circles of people come together for change when a new status quo is needed. And she’s the author of Renegade Grief, a resource for people at any stage of the grieving process. In this episode, Annmarie and Carla talk about rituals and support networks to help us understand that there is no “getting over” the loss of a loved one but rather grief can be a pathway into our own version of a soulful life. Episode Sponsors: Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West     Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader’s hands. We’ve got recommendations. We’ve got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillow bookshop.com. Oblong Books – Independently owned and operated bookstores in the Hudson Valley. Since 1975, Oblong has featured a carefully curated collection of books in all genres. Find your next great read and shop online at oblongbooks.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Renegade Grief: A Guide to the Wild Ride of Life After Loss, by Carla Fernandez The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us, by Ruthie Ackerman  Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, by Amanda Hess  All the Mothers: A Novel, by Domenica Ruta For more information about The Dinner Party, click here. Here is the preview for the film Chocolat. Follow Carla Fernandez: Instagram: @carlitafernandez LinkedIn: @carlafernandez Substack: @carlafernandez www.carlafernandez.co **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  Or if you’re in Northeastern Ohio and looking for an in-person class to jumpstart your writing, you can find that here.  Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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