The Literary Lounge

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by Beth Seufer Buss, Program Director of Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. More than a bookstore, Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit with a mission to build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books. Beth shares the unique story of Bookmarks—from its beginnings as a volunteer-run book festival to becoming North Carolina’s first nonprofit bookstore—and how its year-round events, school programs, and community outreach bring readers together and help foster a love of books in the next generation. Jennifer and Beth also go behind the scenes of the annual Festival of Books & Authors. Beth shares what goes into planning the festival, highlights from this year’s lineup of more than 50 authors, and her best tips for first-time attendees heading to downtown Winston-Salem on September 26, 2026. Whether you’re a longtime Bookmarks supporter or discovering it for the first time, this conversation is a celebration of the connection, curiosity, and sense of belonging that can grow when a community gathers around books. In This EpisodeThe story behind Bookmarks and the Festival of Books & Authors Beth’s journey from librarian and Bookmarks volunteer to Program Director  Building connection and community through books  Helping young readers discover the joy of reading What goes into planning a 50+ author book festival A preview of the 2026 Festival of Books & Authors Creating bookish fun for readers of all ages Beth’s tips for first-time Festival attendeesBookmarks' year-round events and community programming  Ways to support Bookmarks from afar Meet Beth Seufer BussBeth Seufer Buss is Program Director at Bookmarks, where she oversees the nonprofit's bookstore, year-round author events, and Festival of Books & Authors, helping build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books.Connect with Beth Instagram: @firststreetbethreadsConnect with Bookmarks Website: bookmarksnc.orgFestival of Books & Authors: bookmarksncfestival.orgInstagram: @bookmarksncFacebook: facebook.com/BookmarksNCTikTok: @bookmarksnc Donate to Bookmarks: bookmarksnc.org/donate Books & Authors Mentioned in this Episode: Trixie Belden series by Julie Campbell Judy Bolton series by Margaret SuttonStation Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Stacey AbramsInvestiGators by John Patrick GreenAmari and the Night Brothers by B B AlstonAlan Gratz Breakout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola YoonA Princess is a Princess by Anika Noni RosePunished for Dreaming by Dr. Bettina L Love Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea by Emily Wilson Jax Freeman and the Graveyard Forest by Kwame MbaliaJohn GreenAngie ThomasHollow Bones by Jodi PicoultThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansSarah Addison AllenKristy Woodson HarveyNic Stone STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by author Anna Johnston to discuss her new novel, When Lemons Give You Life, a charming and heartwarming story that will lift your spirits, remind you to appreciate the time you have, and leave you believing in the power of forgiveness and second chances. Anna and Jennifer talk about writing older characters whose lives are still filled with possibility, the connection between food and memory, LGBTQ+ representation in aged care, and how Anna’s own experience working with older adults has shaped both of her novels. This is a conversation filled with warmth and hope that will leave you thinking differently about aging. It’s also a beautiful reminder to appreciate the people we love while we still have time with them, to lead with kindness, and remain open to the second chances life can bring. In This EpisodeThe connection between food & memory The LGBTQ+ experience in aging & aged care Balancing humor with heavier themes  Pivoting from medical school to aged care The importance of writing older charactersHow Anna’s grandfather inspired her debut Navigating imposter syndrome while writing book two Meet Anna JohnstonAnna Johnston lives by the beach in Melbourne with her husband and daughters. She left medical school to develop an award-winning cooking program for older widowed men before following her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home, where she worked as the activities coordinator. She is the author of the international bestseller The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.Connect with Anna  www.annajohnstonauthor.com Instagram @annajohnstonauthor Books  Books mentioned in this episode:When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston  The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna JohnstonSTAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by bestselling author Nina Simon to talk about her new novel, My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, a warmhearted whodunnit about two sisters whose annual trip takes them rafting through the Grand Canyon—with a murderer in their midst. Nina and Jennifer discuss writing complicated family relationships, finding inspiration in the natural world, and balancing murder with plenty of heart and humor. Nina also shares how she builds and plots a mystery and opens up about her unexpected path to publishing—from writing a novel simply to make her mother smile to becoming a bestselling author with her debut, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, a Reese’s Book Club pick. This episode is for mystery lovers and is full of writing advice and craft techniques for crafting a page-turning whodunnit that keeps readers guessing. In This EpisodeWhy Nina is drawn to writing strong women, wild places, and dead bodies Writing the love, tension, and complexity within family relationships The Grand Canyon: an ideal setting for murder Plotting whodunnits that keep readers guessing   Writing without expectations Navigating the publishing journey Meet Nina Simon Nina Simon writes crime fiction about strong women. She is the New York Times-bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night. This big-hearted whodunnit was a Reese's Book Club pick, an Anthony Award winner, and a "best of 2023" selection for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CrimeReads, and Library Journal. Her second whodunit, My Sister Is Going to Kill Me, is out on August 18, 2026 from William Morrow Books.Before turning to fiction, Nina wore many hats: NASA engineer, slam poet, game designer, museum director, and nonprofit CEO. Her work on community participation in museums, libraries, parks, and theaters has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and the TEDx stage. Nina lives off-the-grid in the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoys weird adventures in wild places.Connect with Nina  Website Instagram: @ninaksimon Books & Authors Mentioned My Sister Is Going to Kill Me by Nina SimonMother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina SimonSue GraftonJanet Evanovich Faye Kellerman STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

What happens to our family stories if no one carries them forward? This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Sharon Kurtzman to discuss her debut novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, a work of historical fiction inspired by the experiences of her mother, aunt, and grandmother after surviving the Holocaust. Jennifer and Sharon talk about preserving family stories before they’re lost, the lesser-known realities Jewish survivors faced after World War II, and how baking became a symbol of memory, resilience, and hope within the novel. Sharon also shares her remarkable 20-year journey to publication and why she believes the unpublished manuscripts that came before The Lost Baker of Vienna were all leading her to the story she was ultimately meant to tell.  In This EpisodeThe true story that inspired The Lost Baker of ViennaHonoring the past through storytelling The aftermath of war and a lesser-known history Why preserving family stories matters Baking as a connection to memory and heritage Sharon's remarkable 20-year journey to publication Meet Sharon KurtzmanSharon Kurtzman’s debut historical novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, was published in August 2025 by Pamela Dorman Books/Viking and was inspired by the World War II and postwar experiences of her family. Her novel was a Book of the Month Add-on pick for August 2025, and it will be published in six languages and in over a dozen countries. Prior to becoming an author, Sharon has been an audience research analyst, television ad salesperson, publicist, food writer, the official escort to Danger Mouse at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a judge at a Chicken Soup Cook-off. Sharon earned her MFA in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. She lives in North Carolina with her husband; they have two adult children.Connect with Sharon sharonkurtzman.comInstagram @sharonkurtzman FacebookSubstack Purchase a copy of The Lost Baker of Vienna  STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

One month into The Literary Lounge, host Jennifer Cash opens up to share the story behind the podcast. From a childhood shaped by reading to the winding road that led her to becoming a writer, she reflects on the books, people, and experiences that shaped her life. It’s an honest and vulnerable conversation about finding purpose, rediscovering old dreams, and how a life surrounded by books ultimately led to The Literary Lounge. In This EpisodeJennifer’s earliest memories of becoming a reader The books that shaped her early childhood How reading became both an escape and a source of comfort during a difficult season The teacher who made her question her future Writing her first manuscript after a challenging experience abroadWhy she left a traditional career to pursue writingHow books led her to a literary life The inspiration behind The Literary LoungeWhy she hopes The Literary Lounge becomes a place for readers and writers to gather through a shared love of story  Meet Jennifer CashJennifer Cash is the creator and host of The Literary Lounge, a podcast and Substack where readers and writers gather for thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing, and living a creative life. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Jennifer is passionate about building literary community while championing independent bookstores and emerging voices. Through her work, she explores the stories behind the stories, connecting readers with authors, booksellers, publishing professionals, and literary destinations. She is also the creator of the book-focused platform @ReadwithJennifer, where she shares book recommendations, bookstore discoveries, and a love of literary travel. Jennifer lives in North Carolina.Books mentioned in this episode:The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope OsborneCam Jansen series by David A. Adler Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

What does it mean to find where you belong? This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Joanna Monahan to discuss her second novel, Welcome to Blooms, a warm, feel-good story about siblings Daisy and Bud, who must learn to work together to save their family's flower shop. Think of it as a Hallmark movie in book form! Jennifer and Joanna discuss the inspiration behind the novel and explore themes of family expectations and belonging. Joanna also shares her own path to becoming a published author, from querying agents to finding the right home for her work with an independent press. She reflects on what she’s learned from publishing two novels, why working with a small publisher has been the right fit for her, and the importance of finding the communities that help sustain a creative life.In This EpisodeExploring themes of family, identity & belonging Joanna’s path from querying to indie publishing Finding the right publishing path for youThe importance of independent bookstoresFinding your writing & literary community How Joanna’s writing process has evolved Navigating the challenges of writing a second book How book coaches can support the writing process The unexpected realities of becoming a published author Meet Joanna Monahan  Joanna Monahan is the author of the award-winning Something Better. Her newest novel, Welcome to Blooms, was published in April 2026 by Blue Ink Press.  Joanna writes contemporary Women's Fiction that is clean, cozy, and full of humor and heart. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, their two children, and two distracting cats. She is a member of The Authors Guild, North Carolina Writers' Network, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association.  When she isn’t writing, Joanna enjoys theater, baseball, and bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for reading books.Connect with Joanna  www.joannamonahan.comInstagram @joannamonahanauthor FacebookPinterestGoodreadsPurchase a copy of Welcome to Blooms Purchase a copy of Something Better Books & Authors Mentioned Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyStory Genius by Lisa CronChristopher PikeGoosebumps series by R. L. StineThe Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher Beverly Cleary Ramona series by Beverly Cleary STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by Corinne Levine, founder of Novel Travels, a luxury travel company that designs small group literary journeys and personalized itineraries for readers who want to step inside the books they love.Corinne and Jennifer explore the rise in literary travel, the connections forged through a shared love of books, and the magic of experiencing beloved literary places in real life. Corinne also shares how she transformed her passions for reading and travel into a creative career and why these trips can be meaningful, transformative, and community-building experiences. In This Episode:From Lifelong Reader to Travel AdvisorA Life-Changing Trip to St. Petersburg Creating Unique Literary Travel Experiences The Rise of Literary Travel Building Community Through a Shared Love of Books  The Transformative Power of TravelStepping Into the Pages of Our Favorite Stories  Embracing Solo TravelBuilding a Creative LifeMeet Corinne LevineCorinne Levine is the founder of Novel Travels, a luxury travel company designing small group literary journeys and tailored private itineraries for readers who want to step inside the books they love. The idea took root while she stood in St. Petersburg, years after having read Paullina Simons's The Bronze Horseman, and realized she couldn't be the only reader who wanted to walk through a novel's setting. Novel Travels partners directly with bestselling authors, including Fiona Davis and Karen White, to build immersive trips capped at 14 travelers, and was recently featured in the New York Times Travel section. Corinne operates through the Virtuoso and Global Travel Collection networks and is based in Boca Raton, Florida.Connect with Corinne  Website: www.novel-travels.comInstagram: @noveltravelsofficialFacebook: Novel Travels Official  Books & Authors Mentioned Fiona Davis Superfudge by Judy Blume Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy BlumeForever by Judy BlumeDanielle SteelMarjorie Morningstar by Herman WoukThe Bronze Horseman by Paullina SimonsCharles DickensJane AustenSherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleThe Lost Girls of Paris by Pam JenoffThe Spectacular by Fiona DavisThe Dollhouse by Fiona DavisThe Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis Wolf Hall by Hilary MantelBloomsbury Girls by Natalie JennerVirginia WoolfT. S. EliotOscar WildeHarry Potter series by J.K. Rowling A Game of Thrones series by George R.R. MartinThe Outlander series by Diana GabaldonMiss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien CharlesThe Paris Library by Janet Skeslien CharlesThe Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin HarmelPam JenoffThe Stolen Queen by Fiona DavisDaughter of Egypt by Marie BenedictDeath on the Nile by Agatha Christie Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne OlsonThe Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies Out of Africa by Isak DinesenThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby PageKaren White The House on Tradd Street by Karen White Beatriz WilliamsLauren WilligLeonardo’s Swans by Karen EssexCarley Fortune Nicholas Sparks STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

This week in The Literary Lounge, author Grace Helena Walz discusses her latest novel, Pretty as a Peach, a Southern-set story about a group of lifelong friends whose relationships are put to the test when a suspicious multi-level marketing cosmetics company sweeps through their small Georgia town. Grace and Jennifer explore the complexities of family and friendship, what it means to be a Southern woman, and why the South continues to inspire Grace’s storytelling. Grace also shares the remarkable story behind her path to publication, including the rejections that nearly made her walk away, and the perseverance that ultimately led to her first book deal. It’s a conversation anyone pursuing a creative dream needs to hear.   In This EpisodeThe inspiration behind Pretty as a Peach The culture of multi-level marketing companies Lifelong friendships, found family, and belonging Family expectations, secrets, and complicated relationships Why the South continues to inspire Grace’s storytelling Writing Southern women with grace and grit  Finding the joy of writing during early motherhood The rejections that led to her first “yes”Balancing motherhood and a writing career What living a creative life means to Grace Meet Grace Helena Walz Grace Helena Walz is a former social worker who writes heartfelt book club fiction with Southern settings and characters you'll want as friends. Her titles include Southern by Design and Good Hair Days. Grace resides outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children and writes in the moments between driving carpool and making grocery lists. Pretty as a Peach is her third novel. Connect with GraceInstagram: @gracehelenabooksWebsite:  www.gracehelenawalz.com Purchase a copy of Pretty as a PeachBooks & Authors MentionedDorothea Benton FrankSouthern By Design by Grace Helena Walz Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

In the first episode of The Literary Lounge, author Jen Shoop discusses her debut book, Small Wonders: A Field Guide to Life’s Quiet Joys, a beautifully curated collection of essays, musings, and poetry that celebrates the art of paying attention to the everyday moments that make life meaningful.  Jen and Jennifer explore Jen’s journey from childhood writer to published author, how her beloved literary lifestyle blog, Magpie by Jen Shoop, evolved from a passion project into a full-time career, and why vulnerability, curiosity, and resilience are essential ingredients of a creative life. They also discuss the ups and downs of navigating the middle chapters of life, the rituals that shape Jen’s writing process, the books she’s been loving lately, and her advice for aspiring writers learning to trust their own creative path. This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that inspiration often begins by simply paying attention and that the road to success is rarely linear. In This EpisodeThe inspiration behind Small WondersWhy “attention is a form of love”How Jen’s early careers shaped her writing From passion project to full-time career Connecting with readers through vulnerability Jen’s path to becoming a published author ‘Shaking hands with a blank page’Navigating life’s middle chaptersThe books Jen’s recommending What living a creative life means to Jen Meet Jen ShoopJen is the founder and author of the daily literary lifestyle blog, Magpie by Jen Shoop. She recently published her first book, SMALL WONDERS: A FIELD GUIDE TO LIFE’S QUIET JOYS, a collection of essays, musings, and poetry on the art of paying attention. Jen holds an advanced degree in literature from Georgetown University and has enjoyed a varied career in non-profit management, technology, and product design. Jen is an adoring wife to her husband, Landon (also styled as Mr. Magpie on her blog), and a loving mother to two young children. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.  Connect with Jen Blog: https://magpiebyjenshoop.com/ Instagram: @magpiebyjenshoop Purchase a copy of Small WondersBooks & Authors MentionedHarriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh U.A. Fanthorpe Owls and Other Fantasies by Mary Oliver Anne Lamott The Penguin Anthology of Twentieth-Century Poetry, edited by Rita Dove Mythology by Edith Hamilton Whistler by Ann Patchett Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Strangers by Belle BurdenKin by Tayari JonesDemon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer 

Welcome to The Literary Lounge, a literary podcast designed to feel like a modern literary salon where readers and writers gather over a shared love of story. Host Jennifer Cash invites you into a cozy corner of the literary world where meaningful conversations take center stage. Each week, hear thoughtful conversations with authors, booksellers, publishing professionals, and other special guests about books, writing, creativity, publishing, and the stories behind the stories. Whether you’re a reader, an aspiring author, or simply believe that books make life more beautiful, The Literary Lounge is a place to discover new voices, celebrate the written word, and connect with the people who bring books into the hands of readers. Follow now to hear new episodes of ‘The Literary Lounge’ every week. STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer