Uncorking A Story

"I kind of almost became an author by accident. It was a case of rediscovering a love of fiction, and then, on idle weekends, working on things purely to entertain myself. It grew from there." — Richard Roper In this episode, author Richard Roper shares insights into his unique path to becoming an author, starting from a childhood filled with a love for books but no clear ambition to write. His journey took a turn when he began working in publishing, eventually leading to the realization that he could indeed craft compelling stories of his own. Richard's candid recount of his writing journey, including the trials of rejected manuscripts and the breakthrough that led to his published works, provides an inspiring look at perseverance and the creative process. Meet Richard Roper Richard Roper is a writer and freelance book editor. He is the author of Something to Live For and When We Were Young and joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his career and latest book, This Disaster Loves You. Key Topics

Join us in this intriguing episode as we dive into the creative world of Peter Malone Elliott, an award-nominated screenwriter and author of the captivating novel "Blue Ridge." From the mysterious allure of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the complex dynamics of identical twins, Peter shares the inspiration behind his debut novel and his seamless transition from screenwriting to novel writing. About Peter Malone Elliott Peter Malone Elliott is an author, screenwriter, and developmental editor who has earned a Leo Award nomination for Best Screenwriting, motion picture. Born and raised in Virginia, he now lives in Brooklyn, but still holds the magic of the mountains and Southern living near and dear to his heart. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about his career and about his debut novel, BLUE RIDGE. Key Highlights: The Inspiration Behind "Blue Ridge": Discover how long hikes in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and the idea of identical twins' unique relationship led to the creation of his psychological

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of Julee Balko, an author renowned for her intricate portrayal of complex female characters and her bold exploration of themes like grief, personal growth, and the transformative power of storytelling. Julee shares the journey behind her latest novel, "The Me List," a story rich with snark, heart, and an unlikely friendship that challenges societal judgments and celebrates the power of self-discovery. Meet Julee Balko Julee Balko is an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her second novel, The Me List, which is full of snark and heart as it brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors.  Key Highlights The Genesis of a Writer: Julee traces her writing origins back to childhood, highlighting her innate passion for storytelling and the pivotal role of her early English teachers and educational choices in shaping her authorial voice. Grief as a Creative Catalyst: The p

"Embracing the reckless part of me, saying 'yes' to what resonates deeply despite insecurities, has been a pivotal part of my journey. It's about integrating every piece of life into a narrative that compels not just me, but also my characters to move forward." - Gail Marlene Schwartz About Gail Marlene Schwartz Gail Marlene Schwartz is a writer living in Montpelier, Vermont. She is the author of four books and is co-editor of a forthcoming collection of essays about queer moms parenting sons. A writer who seeks and often finds humor, beauty, and meaning in the mundane, Gail writes about parenthood, identity, love, childhood, immigration, social change, health and illness, breaches and repairs, and food (always, food). She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life and latest novel, Falling Through the Night. Key Topics Early Beginnings in Writing: Gail shares a captivating story about how her journey in writing began at a very young age, using writing as a means of communication during counsel

Suzette Mullen is a memoir and nonfiction book coach and retreat leader. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times and Today.com, among other outlets. As a book coach, Suzette focuses on amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ writers as she guides them to find their deeper stories and define their big ideas. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her writing career as well as her memoir, The Only Way Through is Out.  Key Topics The big change Suzette made later in life that reshaped her entire world and put her on the path to living more authentically. Suzette’s work as a book coach helping LGBTQ+ memoir writers raise their voices, write their stories, and becoming published authors. How living authentically in your personal life positively impacts your professional life Tips for starting your memoir and why it is so critical to embrace vulnerability during the process. Starting over at midlife in your career, personal life, and sexuality. Buy The Only Way Through Is Out Amazon: https://amzn.

Boo Trundle is a writer, artist, and performer whose work has appeared across various platforms and publications, including The Brooklyn Rail, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and NPR’s The Moth. She has released three albums of original music with Big Deal Records and joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her first published novel, The Daughter Ship. Key Themes Write in a way that is natural for you, not forced. Boo mentioned that the key to getting her first book published was to write the book in a way that came naturally to her, rather than trying to emulate how others write novels. She expressed that she had always attempted to write novels in a conventional manner like everyone else but eventually embraced her unique approach to storytelling. Trundle realized that by following her natural writing style, which involved exploring different perspectives and creatively navigating stories from various angles, she was able to craft a structurally inventive and one-of-a-kind book. The Daughter Ship was a

Jared N. Michaud is a devoted fiction writer driven by a passion for writing that began before he reached age seven. Influenced by literary giants like C.S. Lewis and Orson Scott Card, he discovered the transformative power of storytelling, and at twelve he began crafting his first novel. Today, Jared writes from a little house in a little town near Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he lives with his wife and six children. As a Christian with a deep love for the truth and appreciation for the values that underlie Western civilization, he endeavors to create myths that inspire future generations. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his writing career and latest novel, Brightstar. Key Takeaways Life experiences add depth to storytelling: Jared mentioned that as a young writer, he could tell a good story, but he needed life experiences to bring value and perspective to his writing. Authors should draw from their personal experiences to enrich their stories and make them more relatable and impactful. Putti

"In writing, what’s really crucial is persistence. Every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes'. And when you infuse your personal experiences into your stories, you're not just writing; you're breathing life into your characters. That's when your stories truly begin to resonate with your readers." — E.A. Aymar About E.A. Aymar Multiple Anthony Award-nominated E.A. Aymar’s essays have appeared in the Washington Post, the Washington City Paper, Publishers Weekly, and more. He is a former member of the national board of the International Thriller Writers and is an active member of Crime Writers of Color and Sisters in Crime. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his career and latest novel, When She Left, which has been called crime fiction at its best by New York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Straub. Key Takeaways Embrace rejection as a part of the writing process and do not let it deter you from pursuing your dream. Rejection and disappointments can serve as valuable teachers, providing insights and wis

Dr. Vilma Luz Cabán is a dedicated educator with over 30 years experience in Westchester County, New York. She serves as an Executive Board member for the One Circle Foundation and her personal passion lies in addressing social and economic inequities. She joins me today on Uncorking a Story to discuss her career and memoir, The Heart of an Advocate. Key Themes Dr. Vilma Luz Caban delves into her memoir, "At the Heart of an Advocate," shedding light on her life’s experiences and challenges. Dr. Caban discusses her passion for addressing social and economic inequities and the ways in which she has worked to make a meaningful impact. The episode explores Dr. Caban's extensive career, which spans over thirty years in the field of education in New York. Listeners gain valuable perspective on the experiences and challenges faced by educators, particularly in the context of social and economic disparities worldwide. Buy The Heart of an Advocate Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SHoJtx Connect with Dr. Vilma Luz Cab

Iris Yamashita is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter for the movie Letters from Iwo Jima. She has been working in Hollywood for fifteen years developing material for both film and streaming, has taught screenwriting at UCLA, and is an advocate of women and diversity in the entertainment industry. Iris joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her career and latest novel, Village in the Dark.  Key Themes Exploration of different points of view and empathy in writing. Overcoming self-doubt and believing in oneself as a writer. Handling rejection and the importance of perseverance in the writing field. Financial challenges and the practicalities of making a living as a writer, including the suggestion to keep one's day job. The instability and challenges of certain writing careers, such as screenwriting. The importance of marketing and promoting one's work through various channels, such as indie bookstores and online platforms. Buy Village in the Dark Amazon: https://amzn.to/47On4rj Bookshop.org

Carrie Rickert’ life-threatening accident and related complications started her down a  path of examining what was, what is, and what could be. Her’s  is a story of hope, of possibility, and of embracing the fight to become something new. She joins me today on uncorking a story to talk about her life and latest book, Trauma is a Catalyst. Welcome to Uncorking a Story Carrie! Key Themes Traumatic events and disappointments can serve as catalysts for making important changes in our lives, and it's crucial to view them as opportunities for growth and course correction. It's essential to slow down and find the beauty and wonder in simple things, as well as to prioritize spending time with family and loved ones, especially in the face of life-altering events. The importance of recognizing the silver lining in life struggles and seeking the lessons that negative events can teach us, with a focus on becoming better individuals as a result. The realization that traumatic events can prompt a shift in focus towar

Kendra Petty is a woman who has succeeded in an all-male industry, becoming an executive vice president at two firms. She is a dynamic public speaker, powerful negotiator and dealmaker. She loves bouldering and scrambling in the mountains of California, Nevada and Arizona. A boater for many years, Kendra also loves fast cars and traveling. She joins me today on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life and memoir, “I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead.”  Key Themes A source of Healing: How writing her memoir has helped her heal from childhood abuse, dealing with a mentally ill parent, and religious trauma–and why it’s an ongoing journey. Resilience and Inner Strength: Kendra emphasizes the importance of her inner strength in helping her overcome the challenges she has faced, expressing gratitude for her ability to survive and thrive despite the traumatic experiences. Overcoming Adversity: The conversation delves into Kendra's experiences with childhood trauma and the impact it has had on her threshold for handli

Diane Gilman found her greatest success at age sixty, when she sparked a denim revolution by designing blue jeans for real women with real bodies. She’s sold nearly nineteen million pairs of her DG2 jeans on HSN and created a sisterhood of seven hundred thousand women who feel too young to be old. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her memoir, Too Young to Be Old: How to Stay Vibrant, Visible, and Forever in Blue Jeans: 25 Secrets from TV’s Jean Queen. Key Topics Diane Gilman's Journey: Diane Gilman's life journey involves aspects such as dressing rock stars, moving to New York without a safety net, designing a product that solved a problem for millions of women worldwide, and battling cancer, reflecting the diverse and challenging experiences she has faced. Family Expectations and Personal Choice: Diane Gilman was shunned by her family for not following the expected path of marrying a nice Jewish doctor and becoming a housewife and mother like her cousin. She felt a calling to fashion from

Allen Mendenhall is a lawyer and university administrator in Alabama who edited Southern Literary Review for over a decade. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his latest book, A Glooming Peace this Morning. Key Themes Allen’s experiences writing both fiction and non-fiction (and why non-fiction takes longer). The overlap between storytelling in the courtroom and storytelling on the page. The valuable lessons of patience and persistence Allen learned while pursuing his path to writing and publishing fiction. The inspiration behind A Glooming Peace this Morning and why he felt compelled to write something more than ‘just a story.’   Why happiness should not be an ultimate goal in life. Buy A Glooming Peace this Morning Amazon: https://amzn.to/47qRFv5 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781604893601 Connect with Allen Website: https://allenmendenhall.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/allenmendenhall Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allen.mendenhall Instagram: https://www.instagram.c

Writer, actor and storyteller, Don Futterman has written for a variety of publications including the Daily Beast, The San Francisco Chronicle and the Haaretz, Israel’s newspaper of record. A graduate of Brown University, Futterman is a co-host of TLV1’s The Promised Podcast, has a performance podcast of moving and hysterically funny autobiographical monologues called Futterman’s One-Man Show, and has published two children’s books. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about his life, career, and latest book, Adam Unrehearsed. Key Themes Don is a natural born storyteller who has been making people laugh since he was young. One experience as a counselor at a summer camp gave him the opportunity to showcase his storytelling abilities and significantly influenced his career as a storyteller. Don’s latest novel is inspired by his own experiences growing up in New York City in the 1970s. As is often the case, art imitates life in Adam Unrehearsed. We discuss the challenges of adolescence, especially during

Florence Reiss Kraut is a native New Yorker, raised and educated in New York City. She holds a BA in English and a Master’s in Social Work and worked for thirty years as a clinician, a family therapist, and CEO of a family service agency while writing stories and essays for publication. Florence has published personal essays for the New York Times and her fiction has appeared in journals such as The Evening Street Press, SNReview, The Westchester Review and others. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her career and latest novel, Street Corner Dreams.  Key Takeaways Florence Reiss Kraut has always wanted to be a writer, fueled by her childhood experiences listening to natural storytellers in her family of immigrants. Florence pursued her interest in literature, obtaining a BA in English, and later balancing her writing with a successful career as a clinician, family therapist, and CEO of a family service agency over the course of thirty years. She dedicated herself to writing and learning thr

Joan Meyerson is an award-winning writer/director/producer of documentaries and television programs for which she won two Writers Guild of America awards. The dramatic accounts she wrote about vets and military families reconfirmed her belief that the best stories come from real life, a belief she has followed in writing. Having told the stories of others, she now tells one of her own. Her first novel, Who Needs Paris, is inspired by the two times she lived in the city of lights and she joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk all about it. Key Takeaways Joan Meyerson's transition from being a secretary to taking on creative roles within the documentary film company where she worked, initially doing tasks she was not hired for, such as writing synopses and proposals for TV series. Her experience with her second boss at the company, David Wolper—a prominent figure in television who produced the famous series called "Roots"—who encouraged her to write proposals, leading her to become known as the "Princess of

Richard Deming is an award-winning poet and critic, whose work explores the intersections of literature, philosophy, and visual culture. He’s the author of five books, including Day for Night and Art of the Ordinary. Richard teaches at Yale University where he is the Director of Creative Writing and joins me today on Uncorking a Story to discuss his latest book THIS EXQUISITE LONELINESS: What Loners, Outcasts, and the Misunderstood Can Teach Us About Creativity. Key Themes Loneliness is a normal human response and not a condition that needs to be fixed; it can also fuel creativity.  It is essential to strike a balance between spending time alone, which is important for self-reflection and creative processes, and seeking social connections for support. We are inherently born into loneliness, and there is a persistent desire to find a sense of belonging which can be a driving force in our lives and creativity. Loneliness can be experienced by anyone, even those in long marriages, indicating it's not just ab

Peggy Townsend is an award-winning journalist who has panhandled with street kids, taken to the skies with pararescuers, and once chased an escaped murderer through a graveyard at midnight. Her first mystery, "See Her Run," was listed as one of "13 Thrillers to Keep You Up at Night" by Kirkus Reviews. Her second book "The Thin Edge," was called "an outstanding" novel by The Associated Press. She joined me on uncorking a story to discuss her career and latest novel, The Beautiful and the Wild. Key Takeaways Embracing Change: Peggy teaches us the beauty of embracing change, whether that’s a new career path or a new genre of writing. The Power of Persistence: As Peggy's journey demonstrates, perseverance is the name of the game—one that every author must play and embrace wholeheartedly. The Power of Mentorship: The role of mentors cannot be understated. Peggy’s transformational learning experience with her mentor shows us the invaluable impact of guidance on an author's craft. Empathy in Storytelling: Pegg

Shelley Fraser Mickle is an award-winning author who has published over a dozen books, which, along with her commitment to literacy and the power of story, led to her being nominated to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014. Her books have been New York Times Notables, Library Journal’s Best Adult Books and her nonfiction book, Barbaro: America’s Horse (2007) won a Bank Street Award. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book, White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America. Key Topics How Shelley got her start writing and her bold attempt at setting up a meeting with William Faulkner.  How Shelley pivoted from writing fiction to non-fiction and the joy she receives by telling true stories. Shelley’s approach to writing non-fiction as if she were writing a novel. Shelley’s belief in writing from a center of love vs. writing from cynicism or a place of darkness. Anything you ever wanted to know about Alice Roosevelt! Buy White House