One of the great pleasures for me as a podcast host is meeting writers that I like and admire. After trading comments with them on WordPress (sometimes for years) and reading their books, it’s so fun to have an interactive conversation. It’s when we get to affirm that they really are as awesome and talented … More Episode 134: “Perfect” with P.J. Gudka
One of my favorite quotes about the power of autobiographical fiction comes from humorist Kevin Kling, “We need to rewrite our story sometimes just so we can get some sleep.” In this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I were fortunate to talk with blogger, poet and author … More Episode 125: “Jade’s Broken Bridge” with Michele Lee Sefton
Is there anything more exciting than the release of a piece of work you’ve put heart, tears, and years into? In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I talk with author and blogger Deborah Brasket about her debut novel, “When Things Go Missing,” just released this week on … More Episode 124: “When Things Go Missing” with Author Deborah Brasket
Who doesn’t love a good sequel? The characters feel familiar and we get that zing of being able to check in with what they are up to now. So, in this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are delighted to be talking again with author Chris Thelen. We talked with Chris in episode 57 about his … More Episode 123: “Race for Redemption” with Author Chris Thelen
In this fantastic episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I are talking with author, Bob Conlon. Bob has written a fantastic book, Celtic Knot featuring the story of his grandfather, Tim Conlon. With Chicago as the backdrop, we get to follow Tim’s life after he was orphaned at … More Episode 122: “Celtic Knot” with Author Robert Conlon
We love it when people make connections for us. As we see so often in the WordPress community, talented and generous people introduce us to other talented and generous people. Like Pete Springer who introduced us to Melanie McGauran and Beth Kennedy. Or Dr. Stein who introduced us to Lois Roelofs. Most recently Mark Wukas, … More Episode 121: Creativity & the Writer’s Journey with Michael Frutig
There is so much about magic that is similar to writing – the timing, the paring down to create suspense, the need to dig deep in order to create a meaningful effect. Not that I make any claim to knowing magic but it’s one of my takeaways from the fascinating podcast conversation Vicki Atkinson and … More Episode 117: Human Connection with Author and Mentalist Alexander Beresford
A lot of my life these days is about urgency. With my kids at age 9 and age 5, they report almost everything as a high priority. Fears that a slug will get stepped on and the pain of getting a splinter in the thumb both register equally high on the urgent meter. I’ve learned … More Episode 115: “The Way of the Wave” with Daniel A. Miller
If you know you know. Also expressed like this: IYKYK in text parlance. And if you live in Chicago? You KNEW the Magikist sign. But we never imagined reading a thriller of a mystery with big pouty lips as the centerpiece. In the Chicago area, the Magikist Lips (in the form of huge signs on the Edens Expressway, Dan … More Episode 114: “The Kiss of Night” with Mark Wukas
Have you noticed? Wynne asks the BEST questions of our guests. When we met with award-winning author, Carl Vonderau, she asked: “We love your quip that your children wonder how you know so much about serial killers and money laundering. You grew up as a Christian Scientist, became an international banker and then left to … More Episode 113: From Banking to Thrillers with Author Carl Vonderau
The Heart of the Matter 