Storied Account with Jen Jumba

Payback, is the latest from Elizabeth Rose Quinn, who leans into her background of screenwriting and writing with this locked room mystery with humor and an eclectic cast of characters. And at the same time, there is social commentary woven about our prison system and what that means for us.YouTube: We Were Made For ThisMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: RDVS6PNTLVHPLS1D

Nadine Matheson works as a criminal solicitor in London and also is a masterful storyteller. She talks about her latest book in the DI Henley Series, The Shadow Carver. Nadine shares the questions she has that will often inspire her writing and how her work influences this story of vigilante justice as seen from both the victim and the accused. Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 4HJDXD6A5KQMER4S

Lauren Oliver, a renowned author and media entrepreneur, as they explore her latest novel The Girl in the Lake, the impact of storytelling, AI in creative work, and the mysteries of consciousness and past lives.

Amanda McCracken discusses her journey through love, longing, and self-discovery, and worth in her new book, When Longing Becomes Your Lover. She shares personal stories, mental models, and practical advice on embracing vulnerability, overcoming fears, and cultivating self-worth to live a more authentic life.

Author and scientist Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay shares insights into her debut novel, Chitra Demands to Go Home, Raj talks about cultural identity, aging, and the immigrant experience. Her three bios which reflect a multitalented individual influence her storytelling and the universal lessons on belonging, resilience, and self-discovery.

In this immersive novel, The Original, Priya Parmar explores the life and legacy of Katherine Hepburn Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood’s golden age, the resilience of a legendary actress, and the craft of storytelling that brings history to life.

In Elena Embimbo's debut novel, Splendor for Nothing, her characters aren’t just solving mysteries — they’re navigating the messiness of life, love, loss, and resilience. Meet Alice Carta an archeologist who finds herself tangled up with Scotland Yard when she returns home to London.

Hear the inspiring journey of Kat Margulis, a Toronto-based author, speaker, and narrative strategist, as she discusses her debut novel Again, More Like You. Cat. talks about the power of storytelling, midlife transitions, and personal growth. Discover insights on overcoming fear, embracing authenticity, and the importance of friendship and self-discovery.

Eve J. Chung discusses her new novel The Young Will Remember, exploring themes of war, human resilience, and the power of storytelling. She shares insights into her research process, character development, and the importance of empathy and understanding across cultures.

Bestselling writer, Robert Bailey, publishes the start of a new series today with The Mediator starring Max Ringo. Robert shares how his experience as an attorney and mediator helped to create this fantastic character. Max makes a mistake and loses her career as an attorney and her family and now has an opportunity to use her skills to rebuild her career as a mediator. Robert talks about how snippets of conversations make their way into his books as well as cameos from previous series.

Anthony Gedell talks about his debut novel Love Lies in the Throws of Rhetoric which delves into themes of love, society, and the power of language. Discover how poetry, crime, and deep character insights create a compelling narrative that resonates on a human level.

Join us as we explore Ellery Adams' latest novel Invasive Species, a genre-defying blend of mythology, fantasy, and folklore horror. Discover Ellery's approach to character development, the themes of environment, and societal pressures. This is set in the 1980s, filled with nostalgia and dare I say, it was fun to see a librarian cameo.

Bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf discusses her latest thriller, The Perfect Hosts, and explores themes of small-town secrets, family dynamics, and the art of crafting complex characters. Heather shares her research process, character development techniques, and insights into writing compelling thrillers that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In my conversation with award-winning writer, Mark Stevens, we talk about his latest book in the Flynn Martin series, Two Truths and a Lie. He talks about his craft of writing, background in journalism, and storytelling. Mark shares insights into his approach to character development, the importance of integrity in media, and the creative process behind his thrilling series.

In my conversation with Tiffany Graham Charkosky, she shares her journey of writing her memoir Living Proof, exploring genetics, motherhood, and resilience. Tiffany talks about how personal stories can foster community, understanding, and hope in the face of hereditary health challenges.

Lee Matthew Goldberg talks about his young adult novels Miles in Time and Time Fixers. Lee shares his creative process behind time travel stories, nostalgic references to the 1990s, and the importance of character development and visual storytelling.

Bestselling writer, Robyn Harding, talks about her recently published book, Strangers in the Villa.  Robyn provides insight into how she develops characters, themes in her novels and how a trip to Spain inspired this new book.  She also talks about her writing career that began in Grade 3 and went on to write romance, a screenplay and found her home writing thrillers.

Lisa Unger is the New York Times bestselling author and she joins me to talk about Served Him Right, which just published this week. Lisa shares her approach to writing stories which feature strong women with a sense of agency. She shares her “what if” question which starts her crafting layered stories with complex characters and how these questions play out during the story she has written.

New York Times bestselling writer, Kate White, talks about her latest book, I Came Back for You. When the individual convicted of murder says upon his deathbed that he killed others but not her daughter, Bree finds herself traveling back to the town where her daughter. Listen to Kate share her inspiration for the story and how she develops such complex characters and keeps readers on the edge of our seat wanting to know who did kill her daughter and why.

In this episode,  L.A. Chandlar, the award-winning author of the Art Deco Mystery Series, talks about her latest book, The Hindenburg Spy. Chandlar talks about themes of storytelling, the importance of humor in writing, the empowerment of women in the 1930s, and the significance of research in creating authentic historical narratives. Chandlar shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the role of art and literature in healing and connecting people. 

Tessa Wegert, a critically acclaimed author talks about her journey from journalist to novelist, the intricacies of writing mysteries and thrillers, and the importance of character development and setting. Tessa shares insights into her writing process, the significance of trust and psychology in her stories, and the unique concept of 'phrogging' that features in her latest book, In the Bones.

This episode features bestselling author Mary Kubica, known for her suspense novels. Mary talks about her latest book, It's Not Her, which revolves around two families vacationing in the north woods of Wisconsin. The story takes a dark turn when one family's parents are murdered, and their teenage daughter goes missing. Mary shares insights into her writing process, particularly her approach in which she allows characters to develop organically without a strict outline. This method leads to unexpected twists and deeper character exploration, particularly with the teenage protagonists, Reese and Wyatt, who navigate complex family dynamics and personal struggles.

In this episode, Wendy Walker about her latest novel 'Blade, exploring her journey from competitive figure skating to becoming a bestselling author. Wendy discusses the impact of childhood experiences on adult life, the psychology of fear in sports, and the emotional journey of writing. Wendy shares insights into her characters and the artistry of figure skating, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the value of support systems in overcoming challenges.

In this conversation, bestselling author Allison Brennan, explores her journey as a writer, the evolution of her characters, and the intricate balance of emotion and logic in storytelling. She discusses the importance of research, the role of setting, and the psychological aspects of crime fiction, all while highlighting the relatable nature of Brennan's characters.

Deborah J. Ledford discusses Havoc, the second novel in her Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran series, offering readers a deeper look into the inspirations behind the story. She talks about her decision to incorporate emerging 3-D technology into the central case and how it collides with the traditions and values of the Taos Pueblo tribe woven throughout the novel. Ledford also shares personal insight into her heritage as a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and explains how her background as an award-winning screenwriter shapes her approach to storytelling, pacing, and character in her fiction.

Kelli Stanley, is a multifaceted writer known for her crime fiction. Kelli talks about the creation of her main character Renata Drake, the themes of justice and accountability in her work, and the unique dynamics of small-town life. We discuss the ripple effects of crime, the role of youth in solving mysteries, and the complexities of law and morality.

Award-winning author Lori Rader-Day to talk about her latest novel, Wreck Your Heart. Lori dives into the creation of Dahlia, a character shaped by love, loss, and resilience, and reflects on the sheer joy of writing.  Lori talks about how personal experiences influence creative work, the power of humor in storytelling, and the deep emotional connections music can create.

In this conversation, Tom Ryan, an internationally bestselling author, talks about his latest novel We Had a Hunch. They explore the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the importance of representation in literature. Tom shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of adapting books for screen, and the nostalgic elements woven into his narratives.

Mark discusses his debut novel, To Catch a Spy, the estate-approved sequel to David Dodge’s To Catch a Thief. Set on the French Riviera one year later, the story reunites readers with Francie Stevens—now a model amid the glamour of Fashion Week—and John Robie, whose life is disrupted as he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of Russian espionage.

Cara talks about her latest book featuring the character Huguette, a 17-year-old orphan navigating post-war France. The discussion delves into the complexities of survival, moral dilemmas, and the gritty realities of life after the war, as well as the creative process behind Cara's writing.

Emma Strenner about her debut novel 'My Other Heart', exploring themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. We discuss the intricate character dynamics between Kit and Sabrina, the influence of journalism on her writing, and the cultural nuances that shape the characters' experiences. Emma shares the importance of love languages, the power of hope in adversity, and the journey of self-discovery.

This conversation delves into the gripping story of Fiona, a woman whose life was forever altered by the abduction and murder of her mother by a serial killer when she was just a child. As an adult, Fiona embarks on a journey back to her hometown to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance, especially after learning that the killer confessed to not being responsible for her mother's death.

In this episode, Heather Aimee O'Neill discusses the title of her book, 'The Irish Goodbye,' and full of poignant scenes involving family dynamics and the concept of moving forward in the face of grief. Heather talks about the how the characters explore the balance between reflecting on the past and embracing the present.

This episode of Storied Account Jen Jumba engages in a deep conversation with debut author Danie Shokoohi about her novel Glass Girls. Danie talks about themes of trauma, identity, and the significance of storytelling. Danie shares insights into her characters, the symbolism of fairy tales, and the complexities of hope and family dynamics.

Multiple award winning writer, Hank Phillippi Ryan, talks about her latest psychological thriller, All This Could Be Yours.  She shares the intricacies of writing, the challenge of book tours and the importance of relatable characters.  Hank shares insights into her writing process, the balance of fame and privacy and the power of choices in storytelling.  

In this episode of Storied Account, I talk with bestselling author Marissa Stapley about her journey to becoming a writer, how the idea of her character, Lucky, sat next to her on a bus and the themes of fame and forgiveness.  Marissa talks about the impact of childhood experiences on who we become as adults. We also talk about how music plays a significant role in The Lightning Bottles.