The Premise

Episode OverviewWhat does it really mean to be present—and why does it feel so hard?In this episode, Jennifer and Chad sit down with author and mindfulness coach Marijke McCandless to explore her book Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present. Marijke shares how we can gently reconnect with ourselves, release pressure and expectations, and rediscover the small, meaningful moments that make life feel alive.Through storytelling, humor, and practical insights, this conversation reframes mindfulness as something approachable, playful, and deeply human—not another task on your to-do list.About the GuestMarijke McCandless is a writer, mindfulness coach, and “playfulness instigator.” She leads the popular online writing practice Right Now Mind and is the author of multiple works, including her memoir More: Journey to Mystical Union Through the Sacred and the Profane. Her work helps people reconnect with themselves through presence, curiosity, and authentic expression.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the inspiring Kelly Conroy, a writer and matrescens educator, to discuss her debut book, Your Mom Races Rally. Kelly shares her journey of navigating motherhood, grappling with societal expectations, and ultimately embracing her passion for rally racing. Through vulnerability and humor, she recounts her experiences of overcoming shame and fear, and how they fueled her desire to pursue something uniquely her own. This episode explores the intersections of motherhood, personal growth, and the unexpected joys found in the thrill of motorsports. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates resilience, community, and the transformative power of fun.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome author Emma Gray, whose latest book, Start at the End, delves into the complexities of grief, love, and the beauty of life. Emma shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, including the profound impact of losing her husband. Join us as we explore the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the 'what if' scenarios that shape our lives. This heartfelt conversation is a journey through the messiness of life and the hope that can emerge from it.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad talk to author, activist, and former Dinner and a Movie host, Annabelle Gurwitch about her latest book, The End Of My Life Is Killing Me. It’s a cancer memoir, and—spoiler alert—she lives. The End Of My Life Is Killing Me is not your typical cancer survivor story, and though there is  abundant humor, she doesn’t attribute her survival to the power of positive thinking. Instead of dramatically seizing the day, Annabelle decided to approach life by examining the small moments and taking opportunities as they came. One such opportunity, which they discuss in detail, was going on a European tour as a merch girl for a heavy metal band. They also discuss the wellness industry, and magical thinking, her volunteer work, and how her book cover, which she imagined having  a Daphne and Apollo theme, ended up featuring a baby chick doing yoga. You don’t want to miss this delightfully funny and insightful episode. There’s even a Muppet-y bonus at the outro. You can find out more about Annabelle and buy The End Of My Life is Kiling Me, and her other books on her website. www.annabellegurwitch.com

In this exciting live episode of the Premise host Jennifer Thompson welcomes acclaimed author Grant Ginder to discuss his latest novel, "So Old, So Young." They delve into the intricacies of storytelling, the evolution of friendships, and the passage of time as depicted through a series of parties over two decades. Tune in as Grant shares his writing process, the challenges he faced while crafting his book, and the importance of capturing the essence of life’s messy beauty. Don't miss this engaging conversation!

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Bridget Crocker, an inspiring author and trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. They discuss Bridget's memoir, "The River's Daughter," which beautifully intertwines her experiences with water, family dynamics, and personal growth. Join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, the healing power of nature, and the journey of forgiveness. Don't miss this captivating episode!

In this episode, we embark on a delightful culinary journey as our guest shares a unique experience of making pasta at 30,000 feet. Discover the art of pasta-making, including tips on achieving the perfect consistency and keeping the dough hydrated. Join us for a light-hearted discussion about creativity in unexpected places and how to turn a stressful situation into a relaxing one.

There's riches in the niches!Jeniffer and Chad talk publishing and cars with Ryan ZumMallen founder/publisher/editor of Carrara Media. 

In this episode, Jeniffer Thompson welcome celebrated author Paula McLain to discuss her latest novel Skylark, which explores the intertwining stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Set against the backdrop of Paris and its hidden underground tunnels, McLain shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the significance of storytelling in times of distress. Join us for an enlightening conversation about resilience, beauty, and the power of words.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome acclaimed author Caitlin Rother to discuss her latest thriller, Hooked, the first in a new series featuring investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and homicide detective Ken Good. Caitlin shares her journey from investigative journalism to fiction writing, touching on themes of ethics, corruption, and the changing landscape of journalism. Join us as we explore the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the challenges of the publishing world.

In this captivating episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Deborah Rudell, a college professor and author, who shares her remarkable journey of transformation in her memoir, Grit and Grace: The Transformation of a Ship and Soul. Join us as Deborah recounts her experiences building a sailboat, navigating the tumultuous waters of life, and exploring her spiritual path. Discover how two intertwined narratives—her physical journey at sea and her spiritual awakening—come together in a profound exploration of grit, grace, and self-discovery.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad welcome the talented Judy Reeves to discuss her poignant memoir, When Your Heart Says Go. Judy shares her journey of grief, travel, and self-discovery, exploring how writing can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions. With heartfelt insights and beautiful prose, Judy reflects on her experiences and the connections she made along the way, inviting listeners to embrace their own stories and the magic of writing.

In this exciting episode, we welcome Richard T. Williams, Vice President of Business Development at Independent Publishers Group (IPG), to discuss the ins and outs of book distribution. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities for small publishers and indie authors in today’s evolving market. From the importance of understanding target audiences to the realities of distribution models, Richard shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience in the publishing industry. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that dives into the good, the bad, and the ugly of book distribution!Richard T. Williams is the Vice President, Business Development, at IPG, where he oversees new and existing business for the IPG distribution program, as well as for clients seeking extended publishing services and licensing opportunities. He is a former sales manager at IPG, the former director of the Small Press United program, and was once an operations manager at an independent publisher, where he earned firsthand experience on the publishing side.

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the insightful author Dennis James Sweeney to discuss his book, How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses. Dennis shares his journey through the often daunting process of getting published, emphasizing the importance of community and personal connections in the literary world. With practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes, he inspires writers to embrace their unique paths to publication. Don't miss this conversation filled with empathy, creativity, and actionable insights!In this episode, we talk about Dennis's wife (also a writer) Thirii Myo Kyaw Myint—you can learn more about her work here. 

Jeniffer speaks with Susan Casey, adventurer and author, via Warwick’s to talk about her experiences studying, observing and interacting with the mysterious deep ocean. Since 2005, Susan has been writing about subjects such as giant waves and those who chase them and the creatures that live in the depths beneath them in an approachable and captivating way.In this episode she discusses not only her experience in this largely alien world, and the life that inhabits it, but also the implications of exploring it. This is a must listen for anyone who is curious, in search of wonder, and wanting to learn more about the profound importance of this largely unexplored part of our world. Susan is the author of The Devil’s Teeth, Voices in the Ocean, The Wave, and others. Her latest book is The Underworld: Journeys To The Depths Of The Ocean. Susan’s website: https://susancasey.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanlcasey/

Keith Rosson is a living testament to how hard work and taking the long road can pay off. He’s the author of several novels, and the award-winning short story collection, Folk Songs For Trauma Surgeons, all published through Meerkat Press. His latest novels, Fever House and The Devil By Name, are published through Random House. And he got an endorsement from Stephen King! No big deal, right? Though this recent duology is in the horror genre, these novels are character-driven and contain crime thriller elements and punk rock vibes, leaving them almost undefinable. Genre-defying, some may say. Keith talks to Jeniffer and Chad about his rise into the world of the Big Five and the differences between working with a huge publisher vs a small press. They discuss negotiations, marketing, and the work that goes into all of it. He tells them about how he developed his characters and his writing process, and how punk rock and the city of Portland shaped his vision. If you like horror, crime fiction, punk rock, or just a good success story, you’ll love this episode. You can find out more about Keith and buy his books through the links below. Keith’s Website: https://www.keithrosson.com/Instagram: @rossonkeithTwitter/X: @keith_rosson

Patty Lin was a successful television writer for hit shows from Friends and Desperate Housewives to Freaks and Geeks and Breaking Bad. Many people dream of this. She dreamed of it. But Patty was trapped in a sunk cost fallacy. She wanted out.She finally did get out and now has a memoir, entitled, End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood. This episode was recorded live at the San Diego Writers Festival and Patty talks to Jeniffer about the difference between writing for yourself and writing for Hollywood and how she ended up doing both. She also gives her opinion on whether she thinks the industry has changed, or ever will. Bonus: There’s a Q&A with the festival crowd at the end. https://www.pattylin.com/https://www.instagram.com/virtualpattylin

Despite the darker topics of generational trauma and tragic, unnecessary death, this episode is humorous, quirky, and full of energy. This is likely because the guest, Susan Lieu, is so fun. She is also a performer, public speaker, playwright and Harvard graduate! She talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter, which explores her and her family's experience as Vietnamese refugees navigating 1980's California, and processing the death of her mother through the lens of the American dream.  https://www.tiktok.com/@susanlieuofficialhttps://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial/https://www.susanlieu.me/https://www.instagram.com/susanlieu/

In another San Diego Writers Festival-related episode, Jeniffer talks with local San Diego author, Matt Coyle. He shares his process in character and story building and discusses his Rick Cahill series. He also talks about his inspiration for wanting to write Crime fiction. If you're a fan of his work or just Crime fiction in general, you won't want to miss his insights on the genre. Matt's BioMatt Coyle is the bestselling author of the Rick Cahill crime series. His books have won the Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, Ben Franklin Silver, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Silver, and San Diego Book Awards, and have accrued nominations for the Macavity, Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, WRONG LIGHT, his latest novel and came out in December and has been nominated for the Lefty Award and been named a Bookreporter.com Top Pick for 2018. Matt lives in San Diego with his yellow Lab, Angus, where he is writing the sixth Rick Cahill novel.https://mattcoylebooks.com/https://x.com/coylemhttps://www.instagram.com/mcoyle044/https://www.facebook.com/matt.coyle.77https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1248617.Matt_Coyle

John Jennings is the author of The Uncertainty Solution, which is a book on investing. But it’s anything but boring. It’s actually super entertaining and insightful, much like John himself. He also did everything you’re supposed to if your goal is to write a nonfiction book to build your brand.First, he wrote on a topic that sells, and has a unique point of view.But where he really excelled was in his process: He had a purpose and intent. He made sure he had a quality product. He takes advantage of marketing opportunities. He’s written, and plans to write, other books. He’s published articles. He has a popular blog. The list goes on…This episode will entertain you even if you’re not interested in investing and finance. It also works as a roadmap to follow if you want to succeed in writing a book to build your brand.John's website, where you can find his book, his blog, and many other things a good author website will have: https://johnmjennings.com/

In this episode, Jeniffer speaks with Téa Obreht at Warwick's Books. If you're a fan of her other novels, you'll love listening to Téa read a passage from her latest, The Morningside. She talks with Jeniffer about what inspired her to write it, and all the details about how it came about too. Téa also shares details about her writing process and what it all means to her. 

Jeniffer and Chad chat with Swan Huntley about her latest novel, I Want You More. The novel follows Zara Pine, a ghostwriter who becomes absorbed into the life of a celebrity chef over a summer in East Hampton. It's a tale of love, mystery, and the complexities of losing oneself in a relationship.Swan shares the inspiration behind the novel, her unique writing process, and how she transforms her observations and ideas into intriguing narratives. Whether you're a fan of Huntley's or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of book writing, this episode is a must-listen!Bio: Swan Huntley is the author of the novels Getting Clean With Stevie Green, The Goddesses, and We Could Be Beautiful. She is also the writer and illustrator of the journal-style mini-tomes The Bad Mood Book and You’re Grounded (Summer 2024). Swan earned an MFA at Columbia University and has received fellowships from MacDowell and Yaddo, where she was the 2019 recipient of The LeSage-Fullilove Residency. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.Instagram: @swanhuntley Twitter: @swanhuntleyFacebook: @swanhuntleyWebsite: www.swanhuntley.com

Zibby Owens is truly a book lover. So much so that she has a book empire of sorts. She owns a bookstore in Santa Monica, started a publishing house, and founded Zibby Media. She also hosts the podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and is an author herself. Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about all this, her novel, Blank, and how she has time to do it all!Zibby's Website

In this episode of The Premise, Jennifer and Chad talk with Anastasia Zadeik, author of the novel The Other Side of Nothing, and Bethanne Patrick, memoirist of Life B,  to explore their nuanced experiences of dealing with and writing about mental health issues through their respective works. Anastasia discusses how her inspiration was drawn from personal family experiences and the intricate research that shaped her novel, while Bethanne opens up about her journey with double depression and the importance of finding the right diagnosis and treatment.The episode showcases the honesty and compassion in both authors' narratives, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing about such sensitive topics, the intersection of personal and fictional storytelling, and the vital need for both education on the topic and for support systems to be put in place.Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or are seeking to broaden your perspective, this discussion is a must-listen.Bethanne Patrick's WebsiteAnastasia Zadeik's Website

In this episode, Jennifer sits down at Warwick's Books with Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Tommy Orange. He is the author of There There, and most recently, Wandering Stars. Tommy is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and writes about the contemporary Native American landscape.Tommy shares insights into his writing practice, the challenges of balancing life as a father with his creative pursuits, and the profound influence music has on his craft. The title, Wandering Stars, was actually inspired by Portishead lyrics. You'll find his discussion on identity, representation, and the nuanced experience of being a Native American in contemporary society both enlightening and moving. Tommy also speaks about the future of his writing and hints that an original screenplay and a third novel are in the works. This episode is not just an interview; it's a masterclass in the power that fiction holds in shaping our understanding and empathy. It's a testament to Tommy Orange's unique voice in American literature.

In this first episode of the fifth season Jeniffer and Chad welcome Belo Cipriani for his second interview with them. This episode was timed to air on Global Accessibility Awareness Day because Belo is not only an author and advocate but a digital inclusion strategist. This conversation will expose you to just how much the lack of accessibility is hidden from those that don’t require it. You’ll learn a lot! Belo also talks about all the ways the world is becoming more accessible and what he’s doing to help with that.https://olebacademy.com/https://olebbooks.com/https://belocipriani.com/

Jeniffer is joined via Warwick’s Books by prolific writer Alice Hoffman. Hoffman is most known for her book, Practical Magic, which was made into a film of the same name. The Invisible Hour is her latest novel and she talks about how it came about. You’ll learn how her own past has informed the stories she tells, and how that shapes the women that populate her fiction. You’ll also learn a little bit of history and discover how it can repeat itself.

The guests so nice, we had them twice! Because their last episode was one our most listened to, Dan and Sandy from Smith Publicity are back. They share inside information on the publishing world and discuss the new tools and processes that have come about in the changing digital landscape of the industry.Learn more about Smith Publicity here.

Sophie Mackintosh’s debut novel, The Water Cure, was nominated for the 2018 Man Booker Prize. Now, her latest novel, Cursed Bread, inspired by a mass poisoning that actually happened, has been nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. She’s a writer who uses similar themes, and she’s realized she has a style. In this episode she talks with Jeniffer via Warwick’s Books about that, her process in writing Cursed Bread, and more. https://www.warwicks.com/book/9780385548304

Shelby Stanger is another podcaster, author, and big adventurer. Truly. She adventures for a living pretty much. And she inspires others to find their own adventure through her journalism, podcasting, and now her book! Will to Wild was just released on June 6th and she came to talk about it with Jeniffer and Chad. Get ready to be inspired to be a little more fearless and maybe get adventurous! Find out more about Shelby and buy her book below. https://shelbystanger.com/https://shelbystanger.com/will-to-wild

Words are KishaLynn Elliot’s superpower. She uses that superpower to tell stories, educate, and inspire. She’s an author, speaker and Vice President of Operations and Evaluation at The Monarch School. She’s also a 2023 TEDxSanDiego speaker on Education. She talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her work and her mission to educate and empower unhoused youth and more. You can see her speak virtually(in-person tickets are sold out) at TEDxSanDiego on June 11th, 2023.  https://www.childishthebook.com/https://blaac.life/https://monarchschools.org/https://www.tedxsandiego.com/

Jesse Leon is a San Diegan, TED X speaker, Harvard graduate, consultant and survivor. Jeniffer speaks to him about his memoir, I’m Not Broken, and the story of his past that it covers. Jesse is the embodiment of resilience and living proof that you can come out on the other side not just unbroken but thriving.  https://www.jesseleon-author.com/

Gina Simmons Schneider, PhD, is a Psychotherapist and expert in coping skills. And she used this expertise to write a book about dealing with the common anxieties and stressors we all face in the modern world. Listen to her speak with Jeniffer and Chad about Frazzlebrain and maybe learn a thing or two. https://frazzlebrain.com/https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781949481624

This episode comes to you via Warwick’s Books. Jeniffer speaks with the author of Wandering Souls, Cecile Pin. Her much praised debut novel was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023, and she’s been compared to Joan Didion by Kirkus Review.Wandering Souls tells a story, inspired by Cecile’s own family’s experiences, of the struggles of immigrating to the UK in the aftermath of the Vietnam war. Cecile talks about her writing process, the personal parts of her novel coming together, and where she got the intriguing title—it’s a bit harrowing. She also shares how, despite the setting and circumstances, it’s a story, ultimately, of hope.  https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781250863461

San Diego author, social justice activist, and Pushcart nominee Madhushree Gosh is today’s guest. She talks with Jeniffer and Chad not only about her book, Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family, but food and the politics around it, and politics in general. You may come away believing that we need less talking and more eating if we want to solve the world’s problems. https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781609388232

For all you Gen X folks out there, this week's guest doesn't really need an introduction. Because she's Susanna Hoffs!  But did you know Susanna is also an author? Jeniffer talks to Susanna about her book, This Bird Has Flown, via Warwick's Books.  Buy Now

Walter Green is a man on a mission. He’s the author of, This Is The Moment, a mentor, lecturer and is involved in many nonprofits. He’s all about gratitude. His philosophy is that if you have something to say, why wait? Say it NOW. Listen to Walter explain what that means and how he came about this idea and its subsequent movement. You’re in for an inspiring and illuminating story.https://www.justsayitnow.org/

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad are joined by guest Deborah Larkin. Deborah is the author of A Lovely Girl. The novel is part true crime drama, part memoir. Because Deborah was there at the time the crime and subsequent trial took place, seeing it all through the eyes of a ten year old. Oh, and her father was the court reporter! She tells Jeniffer about her writing process, the details of the ripped-from-the-headlines story, and how this unique book all came together. 

Tom Rob Smith speaks with Jeniffer via Warwick’s books about his latest novel, Cold People. Tom is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and creator of the Child 44 trilogy. In this episode they discuss how he crafted the world of Cold People and blurring the lines of what constitutes Science Fiction. There’s talk of made up food and drink, love at first sight, and the characters that inhabit the world of the book and situations they face within it. There’s also a Q&A at the end, so stick around to find out answers to reader and listener questions. 

Laura Cathcart Robbins is back! Laura has been on The Premise before to talk about her own podcast, The Only One in the Room. You can check it out here.  In this episode she’s here to talk about her memoir, Stash: My Life in Hiding.Laura talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her writing process, and how she got published. She also talks about the events in the book and reads a passage. She's got that part down, because she also read for the audio version of her own book! Fun Fact: Laura an Advisory Board member for, and participant in, the San Diego Writers Festival. Here's the official book description for the curious:After years of hiding her addiction from everyone-from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to elaborately scheduling withdrawals between PTA meetings, baby showers, and tennis matches-Laura Cathcart Robbins settles into a complicated purgatory.She learns the hard way that privilege doesn't protect you from pain. Facing divorce, the possibility of a grueling custody battle, and internalized racism, Robbins wonders just how much more she can take.Now, with courage and candid openness, she reveals how she managed to begin the long journey towards sobriety and unexpectedly finding new love. Robbins harrowingly illustrates taking down the wall she built around herself brick by brick and what it means to be Black in a startingly white world. With its raw, finely crafted, and engaging prose, Stash is the story of just how badly the facade she created had to shatter before Laura could reconnect to her true self.

Mark is an expert on the wacky world of conspiracies and bunk science, but his background is in theater, which is apropos since today’s conspiracies are absolutely theater! He tells Jeniffer how his interest in conspiracy theories all started with Art Bell’s late night radio show and just grew from there. They do a deep dive into the QAnon conspiracy, what it’s all about, where it started, the true believers that support and promote it, and just how dangerous this absolutely bats**t crazy conspiracy has become. 

Suzanne is another writer who was working in an entirely different field before she decided to take a chance and try her hand at something she’d always wanted to do. She shares the story of that journey with Jeniffer and Chad, and offers some good advice for aspiring writers. She’s living proof that with talent and perseverance it’s totally possible to write successful novels and do big things like breaking into the world of screenwriting—and having your script optioned for a movie! 

Although there’s an obvious nod to Shakespeare in All’s Well, the protagonist of Awad’s latest novel was inspired by her own experience with pain and her feelings about being ignored and not taken seriously. She talks with Jeniffer about how that experience informed her latest novel, the characters she created, and how and why she chose the setting for this particular story. And of course, there’s discussion of the author’s writing process and how it all came together to create the full story.

Eve and Rosie both get a chance to discuss their writing processes, note the similarities and differences, and realize there’s really no wrong way to write. There are also similarities between their books. They’re both about family and relationships, the settings loom large, and they both question how well we really know those close to us. If you’re a fan of peeking into the writer’s process and love details on the genesis of ideas, and how stories are shaped, you’re going to love this episode. And if you like lovely British accents then you’ll really be happy. 

Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to the page, stage, and screen. She serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival and sits on the board of the literary non-profit So Say We All. She regularly performs in narrative non-fiction showcases, and her work has appeared in The San Diego Decameron Project, The Literary Vine Review, and Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir. She lives in San Diego with her husband and their empty-nest rescue dog, Charlie. Blurred Fates is her first novel.WebsiteBUY THE BOOK

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Jane Friedman about how she got started doing what she does. And she does a lot! Mostly, she’s an expert on the publishing industry and a guide for helping authors understand it. You’ll learn a lot of valuable information in this one. And because this podcast is actually pretty fun, you’ll also get to hear their opinions on fonts, artistry, Amazon and where the industry is headed. Jeniffer also gets Jane to open up a bit about weird jobs and bourbon preferences. WebsiteThe Hot SheetFacebookTwitterInstagram

On Wednesday, May 18th at 7:30pm Warwick's hosted Laura L. Engel as she discussed her new book, You'll Forget This Ever Happened: Secrets, Shame, and Adoption in the 1960s. Laura L. Engel is originally hails from Biloxi, Mississippi but moved to San Diego, California over fifty years ago. In 2015 she retired from a thirty-five-year career in the corporate world with plans to quietly catch up on hobbies and travel with her husband, Gene. Within a year an unexpected miracle took: her firstborn son - the child she'd been forced to relinquish to adoption in 1967 - found her. After that, Laura stopped guarding her painful secret and started telling the world about the miracle of meeting her son. Laura is currently President of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association. She is also an active member of the International Women's Writing Guild and a member of San Diego Writers Ink, San Diego Writer's Festival, and SD Writers and Editors Guild. She has five adult children and ten cherished grandchildren.Are you still a mother even if you have not raised your child? Can the mother/child bond survive years of separation? How deep is the damage caused by buried family secrets and shame? Engel asks herself these and many other questions as she becomes acquainted with the son she never knew, and seeks the acceptance and forgiveness she has long denied herself. Full of both aching sadness and soaring joy, You'll Forget This Ever Happened is a shocking exposé of a shameful part of our country's recent past - and a poignant tale of a mother's enduring love.WebsiteBuy The Book

Mark talks with Jeniffer and Chad about his long history in the publishing world, his point of view as a current agent for one of the top literary agencies, and how he’s facilitating transparency in the industry. He also gives some advice to Jeniffer about her own processes and a ton of tips on everything from pitching to your hook. Read his full bio below! BIO:Mark Gottlieb is a highly ranked literary agent, both in overall deals and other individual categories. Using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers, he is actively building his client list of authors. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. Through his work at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb continues to represent numerous New York Times bestselling authors, as well as major award-winning authors, and has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department, in addition to working in foreign rights. In his free time, Mark Gottlieb tutors free English language classes to adults from low-income immigrant families, via the Literacy Volunteers program at Family Centers, a nonprofit organization offering education, health and human services. He is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looks forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers. https://twitter.com/mark_gottliebhttps://www.facebook.com/MarkGottliebLiteraryAgent/https://www.instagram.com/markgottliebliteraryagent/https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgottliebliteraryagent/