PODCAST · arts
Northwest Book Talk
by Patty Grasher
Northwest Book Talk is a weekly radio show and podcast for readers who love discovering good books and meeting the people who write them.Hosted by Patty Grasher and broadcast on KXRW 99.9 FM in Vancouver, Washington, the show features conversations with authors about the books themselves. The stories, characters, settings, research, inspiration, and ideas behind them. You’ll find cozy mysteries, fantasy, historical fiction, books for young readers, Northwest stories, and other engaging reads worth discovering.Rooted in the Pacific Northwest but not limited by geography, Northwest Book Talk
Episodes
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Anthea Kreston: The Adventurous Life Behind Crescendo
Violinist and author Anthea Kreston joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss her memoir Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist. She shares the discipline behind a demanding musical career, the personal experiences that shaped her, life inside the classical music world, motherhood, and the...
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Dian Greenwood – Family Secrets, Immigration & Resilience in Historical and Literary Fiction
What happens when the past shapes the choices we make, and how do we find the courage to change? On Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher welcomes Portland-area author Dian Greenwood to discuss her two novels, About the Carleton Sisters and Forever Blackbirds. About the Carleton Sisters follows...
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Julie McDonald Zander – The Reluctant Pioneer and the Women of the Oregon Trail
What was it really like for a woman to leave home and travel more than 2,000 miles west on the Oregon Trail? Southwest Washington author and historian Julie McDonald Zander joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss The Reluctant Pioneer, her historical novel inspired by the true story of Matilda…
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Richard Moreno: Washington Historic Places, Northwest History & Road Trips
Author and historian Richard Moreno joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss Washington Historic Places on the National Register, his guide to 50 historic sites across Washington State. Richard shares how he selected locations from more than 1,600 places on the National Register of Historic Places,...
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Welcome to Northwest Book Talk
Looking for your next good read? Northwest Book Talk brings readers conversations with authors about the stories, characters, settings, research, and inspiration behind their books. Hosted by Patty Grasher and rooted in the Pacific Northwest, the show features cozy mysteries, fantasy, historical...
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Richard Wing: The Remarkable Story of Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree
For nearly 200 years, Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree stood as a living witness to the changing Pacific Northwest. Author and Fort Vancouver interpretive guide Richard Wing has turned its remarkable history into a children’s book illustrated by local artist Pam Gunn. Richard joins host Patty Grasher…
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Nicole M. Miller: Horses, History, and Until Our Time Comes
Southwest Washington author Nicole M. Miller joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss Until Our Time Comes, her Christy Award finalist historical novel set in World War II Poland. Nicole shares the real Arabian horse history that inspired the story, the long road from first draft to publication, and…
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Corbin Muck: Hard-Boiled Mystery in 1948 Portland
Pacific Northwest fiction writer Corbin Muck joins Patty Grasher to talk about his novel High Water Heavy, a hard-boiled mystery set in 1948 Portland, Oregon. Corbin shares why this pivotal period in Portland history became the setting for his story, the research that took him deep into the…
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Judith Dickenson Ackeret: From Criminal Investigations to Cozy Mysteries Description
Mystery author Judith Dickenson Ackeret has taken an unusual path to writing. Her background includes accounting, criminal investigations, composite art and paper crafting, experiences that have helped shape her creative life. In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Judith talks with Patty…
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The Columbian's Monika Spykerman on Feature Writing, Storytelling & Local Journalism
Feature writer Monika Spykerman of The Columbian joins Patty Grasher to discuss human-interest storytelling, local journalism, and the art of finding compelling stories in everyday life. Monika shares her journey from newsroom assistant to feature writer, explains how she develops feature…
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Dawn Sellers & POV Filmmakers | Screenwriting, Independent Film & Storytelling in Southwest Washington
How do movies begin? In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Patty Grasher talks with screenwriter Dawn Sellers of POV Filmmakers, a Vancouver, Washington–based creative collective supporting independent film through collaboration, education, and production. Dawn shares insights into…
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Barbara Herkert on Writing Historical Picture Books, Creativity & Heronry | Northwest Book Talk
Award-winning children’s author Barbara Herkert joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss the art of writing historical and biographical picture books for young readers. Barbara shares how she uncovers hidden stories from history, turns research into engaging children’s books, and inspires creativity...
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Evan Kidwell – Fantasy, Resilience, and Timeaous Spark and the Luck Curse
Author Evan Kidwell (E. K. Kidwell) joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss writing Timeaous Spark and the Luck Curse, how fantasy helped him overcome childhood bullying, and the journey from public promise to published author. A thoughtful conversation about resilience, creativity, worldbuilding…
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Shirley Karr on Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, and Writing Happy Endings
Award-winning Regency romance author Shirley Karr talks with Northwest Book Talk about writing historical romance, researching Regency England, sailing on the Lady Washington, and building stories filled with humor, adventure, and emotional connection. Shirley shares her publishing journey, from...
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Jesse Morse | Place-Based Writing, Poetry & Creative Writing at Clark College
Poet, educator, and musician Jesse Morse discusses place-based writing, poetry, nature writing, and teaching creative writing at Clark College. In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Jesse explores how writers can capture the spirit of a place through observation, sensory detail, and…
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Michelle St. Romain — Song of Belonging & Writing Ancestry
Author Michelle St. Romain shares the story behind Song of Belonging, exploring ancestry, memory, and the creative process behind her debut novel.
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Craig Orback – Children’s Book Illustrator & Storytelling Through Art
Illustrator Craig Orback shares how visual storytelling brings books to life, his work with major publishers, and the influence of Charles Schulz.
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Temple Lentz: Not Quite Home, Community, and the Power of Story
Temple Lentz—author of Not Quite Home and an international award-winning novelist—joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk. In this episode, Temple discusses how her debut novel explores homelessness, community-building, and unlikely partnerships between women from different backgrounds.…
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Deb Miller – Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness | Book Marketing & Personal Empowerment
Deb Miller, award-winning author of Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness, joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss breaking free from expectations and creating your own path to fulfillment. In this conversation, Deb shares: • Her journey from corporate executive to author • Creative,...
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Anna Paul & Brook Trang – Read Northwest: Changing Children’s Lives Through Literacy
How can one hour a week change a child’s future? In this inspiring episode of Northwest Book Talk, Anna Paul and Brook Trang of Read Northwest share how their Clark County nonprofit is helping children build confidence, improve reading skills, and succeed in school through one-on-one mentoring....
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Karen Kent – Writing Magical Middle Grade Stories | How to Almost Win a Gingerbread Contest
Karen Kent, indie author of How to Almost Win aGingerbread Contest, joins Northwest Book Talk to discuss creating magical middle grade stories filled with friendship, humor, and heart. In this episode, Karen shares the inspiration behind hercharming story set in Cinnamon Falls, where a young girl...
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Clark Hays & Kathleen McFall (PumpJack Press) — Writing as a Duo + Publishing for Authors
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher interviews Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall, the husband-and-wife writing team behind PumpJack Press. With more than a dozen books across genres like paranormal westerns, science fiction, and romantic comedy, they share how they collaborate...
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Leslie Johansen Nack Interview – Author of Fourteen and Nineteen | Northwest Book Talk
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher interviews author Leslie Johansen Nack about her memoirs Fourteen: A Daughter’s Memoir of Adventure, Sailing and Survival and Nineteen: A Daughter’s Memoir of Reckoning and Recovery. Leslie recounts her remarkable coming-of-age story,...
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Adriana Baer | I’m Into This Place – Amplifying Arts & Culture in Clark County
Adriana Baer joins Northwest Book Talk to share the story behind I’m Into This Place; her podcast, website, newsletter, and now KXRW radio program dedicated to highlighting the arts, culture, heritage, and history of Clark County and Southwest Washington. With a background as a theater director…
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Mary Boone on Writing 70+ Nonfiction Books for Kids and the True Story Behind Pedal Pusher
Award-winning nonfiction author Mary Boone joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to discuss immersive research, writing for young readers, and the powerful true story behind her picture book, Pedal Pusher: How One Woman’s Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World. Mary has written more than…
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Deb Cushman — Chronicles of Nadavir, Middle Grade Fantasy & Building a Reader Community
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Patty Grasher talks with middle grade fantasy author Deb Cushman, creator of the Chronicles of Nadavir series. Deb shares her fast-writing, slow-revising approach—explaining how she can draft a book in two months but spend up to two years preparing it for...
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Cozy Sci-Fi, Starship Cats & Writing at Any Stage of Life | L J Dix
Science fiction and fantasy author L J Dix joins Northwest Book Talk for a warm conversation about cozy sci-fi, found family storytelling, and building a writing career at any stage of life. Author of the Starship Cat, Star Trader Independence, and Diplomat’s Apprentice series—and her newest cozy...
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C. T. Carey on Storytelling, Readers, and developing wide distribution for Indie Books
Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher is joined by author C. T. Carey, who returns to the Northwest Book Fair for a second year. C. T. is the kind of writer readers love discovering in person—approachable, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his stories. In this conversation, we talk about how…
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Jonno Heyne on Comics, Graphic Novels, and the Joy of Meeting Readers Face-to-Face
Cartoonist and graphic novelist Jonno Heyne joins Northwest Book Talk to share his creative journey and love of visual storytelling. He talks about comics as a gateway to literacy and why meeting readers face-to-face at comic cons, book fairs, and community events is the most rewarding part of...
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Northwest Book Talk: A New Focus on the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest
For the past two years, Northwest Book Talk has shared conversations with authors and storytellers across the Pacific Northwest. In this solo episode, host Patty Grasher explains a thoughtful reset for the show—bringing a clearer focus to the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest and the community it...
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Inside the Ashland Mystery Fest with Author Ellie Alexander
Bestselling cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to share how a simple idea blossomed into the beloved Ashland Mystery Fest, now attracting readers and writers from around the world. Ellie talks about balancing festival planning with her writing career…
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Book Events: Lessons, Costs & Connections with Author Caren Hahn
Patty talks with mystery author Caren Hahn about what really works—and what doesn’t—when authors attend live book events. Caren shares insights from her first author conference, discovering that not all events attract readers, and the importance of clear pricing and presentation. Together, they...
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Jordan Fitch on How live Events can make lasting connections
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher talks with Jordan Fitch, author of NoTown and The Cardinal Line, about how live events can transform the way authors connect with readers. Jordan shares his experiences of meeting new readers at live events, small, large and inbetween.…
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Find Your Unique Author Voice with Abigail Raeke
An exciting episode on Northwest Book Talk that guides new authors to find joy in their writing with clear actionionable steps to avoid confusion and overwhelm.
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Hidden History of Pearson Field with Author Martin Middlewood | Northwest Book Talk
Step back in time with Northwest Book Talk as author and historian Martin Middlewood shares stories from his new book, Hidden History of Pearson Field. Discover why Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington is considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfield and how it shaped the...
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Fantasy, Courage & the Craft of Writing with Dawn Shipman
Award-winning fantasy author Dawn Shipman joins us on Northwest Book Talk to explore her magical world of strong heroines, rich mythology, and heartfelt adventures. From her lifelong love of horses and storytelling to the epic journey behind The Lost Stones of Argonia, Dawn shares her creative...
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Exploring Grace-filled Historical Fiction with Kendy Pearson
Join us as Christian historical fiction author Kendy Pearson shares how her faith and love of history intertwine to shape powerful, redemptive stories. From strong female protagonists to richly researched settings, Kendy brings the past to life with heart and purpose. Discover her writing…
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Mystery, Hardware, and a Zen Goat: Meet Paula Charles
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we’re divinginto the charming and twist-filled world of cozy mysteries with author Paula Charles. A fresh and engaging voice on the cozy mystery scene, Paula brings small-town charm, quirky characters, and page-turning puzzles to life in her HomeTown…
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Uncovering the Threads of Mystery with Jordan Fitch
Some stories hook you with suspense. Others make you question everything you thought you knew. In The Cardinal Line and Name Town, author Jordan Fitch masterfully does both. A former U.S. Marine turned thriller writer, Jordan brings sharp precision, emotional depth, and a love for the Pacific...
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Toni Woodard on Chronic Pain, Resilience, and Her Book I’m Fine
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher speaks with Toni Woodard, author of I’m Fine: A Practical Guide for Living with Chronic Pain. With honesty, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom, Toni shares her personal journey through years of physical pain, unsuccessful spinal surgeries…
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Aron Steinke on SPEECHLESS: Creating Graphic Novels Kids Truly Understand
In this episode of NW Book Talk, host Patty Grasher interviews Aron Steinke, Eisner-nominated cartoonist and author of the popular Mr. Wolf’s Class series. Aron discusses his newest standalone graphic novel for kids, SPEECHLESS — a powerful, nearly wordless story about navigating middle school,...
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A Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes
🎨 A Lifetime of Art: Gregory Gorham Shares His Story Behind the Strokes 🎨 In this inspiring episode of NW Book Talk, we sit down with renowned artist Gregory Gorham, whose book A Lifetime of Art chronicles over 50 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic passion. Gregory takes us on a...
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Caren Hahn on Dragons, Suspense, and Fantasy: Best-Selling Author’s Journey – Northwest Book Talk
Best-selling author Caren Hahn talks aboutdragons, suspense, and fantasy. This Northwest author started writing for fun and passion before becoming an increasingly in-demand author with 14 books and counting. In this episode, she shares her journey and how the joy of reading and writing helps her...
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Healing, Hope, and Love: Connie Morgan on More Than Luck Required – Northwest Book Talk
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, author Connie Morgan shares the heartfelt journey behind her book, More Than Luck Required. Through resilience, faith, and love, she navigated life’s challenges to find healing and hope. Listen in as she discusses her personal transformation, the power of...
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The Secret Behind Jessica Julian's Stunning & Affordable Books: Publishing in Croatia
In this interview, artist and author Jessica Julian reveals her innovative technique of using her paintings to inspire her children's books. Learn how her unique approach blends visual art with storytelling, creating engaging narratives that captivate young readers. Discover the creative process...
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How to Promote Your Book with Christy Caplan
Join PR expert Christy Caplan on this episode of NW Book Christy shared valuable tips on leveraging social media, engaging with bloggers, hosting events, and more to help authors boost their book visibility. Stay tuned for a conversation packed with actionable insights!”
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Transforming Education: Emily Cadiz’s Techniques for Boosting Reading and Creative Thinking
In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we sit down with Emily Cadiz, an accomplished author and Early Childhood Reading Specialist, to discuss her innovative approach to early literacy and cognitive development. Emily’s unique award-winning program is designed to help young readers build...
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PR Made Simple: Easy Strategies for Independent Authors with Christy Caplan
Join Christy Caplan in this insightful podcast episode as she shares easy and effective PR strategies for independent authors. Learn practical tips on building your author brand, boosting book visibility, and engaging with readers to increase sales. Whether you're just starting out or looking to...
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Deb Cushman: Crafting Fantasy Adventures for Young Readers
In this episode, we chat with Deb Cushman, author of the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series Chronicles of Nadavir. Deb shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar, and offers a sneak peek at the upcoming second book, Ping’s Mystery in Pixiandria (now available)....
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From Manuscript to Masterpiece: Abigail Raeke’s Advice for Writers
Book Coach & Developmental Editor Abigail Raeke is a highly respected book coach and developmental editor based in the Pacific Northwest. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Abigail has guided countless authors through the creative process, helping them shape their…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Northwest Book Talk is a weekly radio show and podcast for readers who love discovering good books and meeting the people who write them.Hosted by Patty Grasher and broadcast on KXRW 99.9 FM in Vancouver, Washington, the show features conversations with authors about the books themselves. The stories, characters, settings, research, inspiration, and ideas behind them. You’ll find cozy mysteries, fantasy, historical fiction, books for young readers, Northwest stories, and other engaging reads worth discovering.Rooted in the Pacific Northwest but not limited by geography, Northwest Book Talk
HOSTED BY
Patty Grasher
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Northwest Book Talk have?
Northwest Book Talk currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Northwest Book Talk about?
Northwest Book Talk is a weekly radio show and podcast for readers who love discovering good books and meeting the people who write them.Hosted by Patty Grasher and broadcast on KXRW 99.9 FM in Vancouver, Washington, the show features conversations with authors about the books themselves. The...
How often does Northwest Book Talk release new episodes?
Northwest Book Talk has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Northwest Book Talk?
You can listen to Northwest Book Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Northwest Book Talk?
Northwest Book Talk is created and hosted by Patty Grasher.
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