• Unfolding San Francisco: Magic, Mystery, and Memory with Laura McHale Holland
    Feb 23 2026

    In this episode of Book Lover's Companion, Edith welcomes author Laura McHale Holland to discuss her latest novel 'Shinbone Lane,' set in 1974 San Francisco. Laura shares insights into the characters, the plot, and the magical realism that infuses her storytelling. The conversation also touches on themes of nostalgia, societal changes, and the impact of the past on the present. Tune in for a deep dive into the writing process and an engaging discussion about the power of fiction to offer hope and connection.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:51 Discussing 'Shinbone Lane'

    03:23 Writing Process and Inspirations

    04:45 Magical Realism and Character Development

    09:52 Nostalgia and Setting in the 1970s

    28:54 Challenges of Modern San Francisco

    35:28 Art's Role in Dark Times

    40:16 Discussing New Year Resolutions and Cultural Differences

    41:58 Reflections on Career Choices and Life Paths

    44:24 The American Work Ethic vs. European Perspectives

    45:51 Debating Universal Healthcare Systems

    47:01 Challenges in the US Healthcare System

    54:22 Writing About the 1970s: Research and Memory

    58:00 Character Development and Writing Process

    59:30 The Role of Setting in Storytelling

    01:00:53 Exploring Antagonistic Characters

    01:03:38 The Importance of Love and Home in Stories

    01:06:49 Writing Dark Characters: Challenges and Thoughts

    01:10:20 Connecting with Readers and Social Media

    01:13:36 Conclusion and Farewell

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • From Venice Mysteries to Dog Tales: A Session with Laury A. Egan
    Feb 16 2026

    Join host Edith in this engaging episode of Book Lover's Companion as she welcomes back returning guest Laury A. Egan. Dive into a captivating discussion about Egan's thriller, 'Jenny Kidd,' set in the atmospheric Venice, and uncover the main character's journey and the dark, thrilling narrative. They also explore the psychological elements inspired by Patricia Highsmith and discuss the multifaceted city of Venice as both a setting and character. Additionally, hear about Egan's charming and humorous book about a basset hound named Morley. Tune in for a literary and psychological exploration with these intriguing reads!

    00:00 Welcome to Book Lover's Companion

    01:02 Diving into 'Jenny Kidd'

    04:47 Exploring Jenny's Character and Journey

    06:28 The Dark and Sinister Elements

    11:05 Influences and Inspirations

    15:52 Venice as a Character

    20:53 Psychological Elements in Thrillers

    25:26 The Impact of Patricia Highsmith

    28:18 Exploring a Complex Personality

    29:14 Literary Success and Struggles

    29:56 The Intriguing Love Triangles

    30:18 A New Book Project

    30:41 A Fun and Exhausting Journey

    32:08 Introducing a Charming Dog Book

    33:04 The Unique Perspective of Morley

    33:27 Challenges in Publishing

    37:10 The Joy of Writing from a Dog's View

    42:43 Reflections on a Writing Career

    43:41 The Publishing Experience

    45:20 Future Projects and Audiobooks

    49:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Historical Insights and Fictional Journeys with Author Libby Fisher Hellman
    Feb 9 2026

    In this episode of Book Lover's Companion, host Edith welcomes crime fiction and historical fiction author Libby Fisher Hellman from Chicago. They discuss Libby's latest book 'Max's War,' part of her saga series focusing on World War II. Libby shares her extensive research process, including the role of the Richie Boys, a group of Jewish refugees trained in counterintelligence. They also delve into the complexities of writing historical fiction, the impact of Hitler's rise to power, and Libby's unique writing process. This episode offers a deep dive into the historical context of her work and provides valuable insights for aspiring authors.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:44 Discussing 'Max's War'

    02:43 The Richie Boys and Their Role

    05:56 Historical Context and Research

    10:08 Personal Connections and Inspirations

    19:16 Comparisons to Modern Times

    33:10 The Role of Generals in Blitzkrieg

    34:10 The Richie Boys: Unsung Heroes

    36:35 Camp Ritchie: Training Ground for Intelligence

    37:47 The German Translation and Reader Feedback

    38:45 The Rise of Audiobooks

    41:51 Libby's Writing Process

    52:51 Advice for Aspiring Authors

    54:43 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

    56:48 Closing Remarks and Farewell

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Beyond Humpty Trump: Exploring the Literary Mind of David Finkle
    Jan 26 2026

    Join host Edith on the Book Lover‘s Companion podcast as she welcomes writer and journalist David Finkle. In this riveting episode, Edith and David delve into his books 'Humpty Trump and the Second First Hundred Days' and 'Humpty Trumpy Hit a Brick Wall,' which present the tumultuous presidencies of Donald Trump through verse. David shares inspirations, challenges, and candid thoughts on the political landscape. The conversation also touches upon David's mystery novel, 'The Great Gatsby Murder Case,' and the upcoming 'Oliver Twist Murder Case.' Don't miss out on this compelling dialogue about writing, history, and societal upheaval.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:32 Discussing Trump's First 200 Days

    01:59 Writing Humpty Trumpy

    03:16 Trump's Second Term and Healthcare Act

    05:39 Zelensky's Visit and Global Reactions

    07:45 Reflections on Trump's Administration

    15:14 Marjorie Taylor Greene and Political Shifts

    31:02 David's Writing Process and Inspirations

    31:25 The Great Gatsby Murder Case

    48:47 Teaching and Encouraging New Writers

    51:07 Holiday Parody and Final Thoughts

    53:36 The Changing Dynamics of US-Europe Relations

    54:31 The Impact of Leadership on International Relations

    59:26 The Influence of Media and Fictional Characters

    01:04:53 Exploring Literary Inspirations and Travel

    01:11:40 The Reality of Historical and Political Tensions

    01:16:51 The Role of Fear in Politics and Society

    01:32:04 Upcoming Works and Reflections on Writing

    01:37:19 Conclusion and Farewell

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Exploring the Dark World of Medical Mysteries with David Shactman
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith interviews healthcare expert and fiction author David Shactman about his book 'Mortal Choice: A Medical Mystery.' The conversation delves into the harrowing realities of the illegal kidney trade, the ethical dilemmas faced by parents with critically ill children, and the real-life inspiration drawn from David's experience researching medical tourism. They also discuss the development of the book's protagonists - an FBI agent and a Boston detective - and the challenges David faced in writing fiction, particularly from diverse perspectives. The episode also touches on broader healthcare issues, the complexities of organ donation laws, and the socio-political landscape affecting these issues today.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:40 Discussing 'Mortal Choice': A Medical Mystery

    01:42 The Reality of Kidney Trade

    02:49 International Black Market for Kidneys

    04:41 Organ Donation Systems: US vs. Austria

    07:27 Introducing the Protagonists

    10:02 Character Backgrounds and Dynamics

    13:12 Moral Dilemmas in the Story

    15:19 Inspiration Behind the Book

    15:26 Medical Tourism and Its Implications

    20:00 Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Conveying Truths

    21:53 Ethical Questions on Organ Trade

    26:42 Blood Donation Program

    27:28 Challenges in Policing Black Market Organs

    28:33 International Organ Trade and Legal Loopholes

    34:13 Writing Fiction vs. Nonfiction

    36:10 Navigating First Person Narration

    42:36 Addressing Misogyny in the FBI

    43:51 Reflections on Social Progress and Prejudices

    46:50 Advice for Aspiring Authors

    47:37 Upcoming Books and Future Plans

    49:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Building Worlds with Dakota Jackson: The Construction of Shadows
    Jan 19 2026

    Join host Edith in this episode of Book Lover’s Companion with special guest Dakota Jackson. They discuss Dakota's new fantasy book, 'The Construction of Shadows,' which is the first in a planned five-book series. Discover the fascinating world Dakota has created, where the 16 Divinities of the Sun and Moon have reshaped the earth, and dive deep into the lives of two best friends from divergent backgrounds. Dakota shares insights about the inspirations behind the book, the challenges of making a complex character arc for a 'golden child', and the joys and hurdles of being an indie author. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and Dakota's journey in bringing compelling fantasy stories to life.

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction

    00:45 Discussing the New Book: The Construction of Shadows

    01:28 Exploring the Book's Universe and Characters

    02:39 Politics and World-Building in Fantasy

    08:58 The Lunar Eclipse Massacre

    14:26 Influences and Inspirations from Mythology

    16:21 Writing Process and Character Development

    17:59 Target Audience and Series Growth

    21:01 Challenges of World-Building in Fantasy

    26:01 Character Development and Redemption Arcs

    26:59 Gender Double Standards in Fiction

    27:41 Complexity and Representation in Female Characters

    30:20 Fantasy and Sci-Fi as Tools for Broader Perspectives

    35:08 Challenges and Community in Indie Publishing

    38:55 Editing and Cover Design Insights

    43:09 Advice for Aspiring Authors

    47:30 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Writing Without Borders: A Chat with Izzy Arnfeld
    Jan 12 2026

    Join host Edith on the latest episode of Book Love Companion as she interviews Izzy Arnfeld, an aspiring author from Upper Austria. Izzy discusses her lifelong passion for writing, from early storytelling with a childhood friend to her current projects. She delves into her fascination with true crime, discusses her writing process, and debates between prose and scriptwriting. They also cover the challenges of maintaining focus, the importance of writing communities, and Izzy's upcoming films and projects. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft of writing and literature.

    00:00 Welcome to Book Love Companion

    00:42 Izzy Arnfeld's Journey to Becoming an Author

    02:27 Childhood Reading Influences

    04:48 True Crime and Personal Experiences

    07:41 Exploring Different Writing Forms

    09:48 The Challenge of Choosing a Writing Form

    12:34 The Importance of Writing Communities

    15:53 Balancing Perfectionism and Creativity

    20:46 Writing for Different Audiences

    26:22 Writing for the Market vs. Writing for Yourself

    28:48 The Challenges of Following Market Trends

    31:39 Balancing Writing and Day Jobs

    33:27 The Writing Process: Tools and Techniques

    36:08 Editing and Overthinking

    39:01 Future Goals and Publishing Aspirations

    48:01 Film Projects and Creative Ventures

    52:03 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Exploring Historical Fiction and Nonfiction with Emma Woodhouse and Caroline Ailanthus
    Jan 5 2026

    Welcome to 'Book Lovers Companion' with your host Edith! Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the fascinating world of historical fiction and nonfiction. Edith is joined by special guests Emma Woodhouse and Caroline Ailanthus, discussing their unique approaches to writing, the joys of historical research, and the challenges of blending fact with fiction. From the detailed historical elements in Emma's works to Caroline's imaginative fantasy rooted in Civil War era characters, this episode is a treasure trove for lovers of history and storytelling. Don't miss their insights on giving voice to forgotten histories, the importance of thorough editing, and the intriguing 'what if' scenarios that make historical narratives so compelling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that combines creativity, meticulous research, and a passion for uncovering the past.

    00:00 Welcome and Introductions

    00:55 The Beginnings of a Writing Journey

    01:59 Exploring Historical Fiction

    05:09 Diving into Nonfiction

    07:31 Research Challenges and Discoveries

    13:51 Balancing Science and Fantasy

    15:06 Technical Difficulties and Continuation

    18:47 Historical Context and Character Development

    30:38 The Appeal of Historical Eras

    47:23 Understanding Triggers vs. Being Upset

    47:34 Personal Experiences with Triggers

    48:08 The Ineffectiveness of Trigger Warnings

    50:11 The Market for Historical and Fantasy Fiction

    53:39 Balancing Historical Accuracy and Modern Sensibilities

    01:02:08 Writing Techniques and Perspectives

    01:09:32 Creative License in Historical Fiction

    01:21:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

    If you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.

    You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.com

    Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 29 mins