A weekly podcast for book nerds. Bestselling authors Tess Thompson and Karen McQuestion interview writers and industry powerhouses.
(1)
After 72 episodes, BEHIND THE BOOK has come to an end.
Tess & Karen loved interviewing guests for the podcast, so it wasn't an easy decision to quit doing the show. Ultimately they decided that the time and energy devoted to BTB was better spent on their own families and writing.
Thanks to everyone who listened and commented. We appreciated that you came along for the ride!
Friend of the podcast, author Gary Goldstein has a new novel out today. Congratulations, Gary! The story sounds fabulous.
NOW AVAILABLE: From award-winning author Gary Goldstein, “The Mother I Never Had,” asks readers to consider what they would do if they found themselves faced with a parent they never knew existed—and if they could accept the secrets and lies that kept her away for a lifetime.
THE MOTHER I NEVER HAD is available today in paperback and e-book everywhere books are sold! Grab your copy and snuggle in for a cozy fall read.
Tess & Karen couldn't believe their good luck in landing Jayne Ann Krentz as a guest!
The author of over 50 New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 35 million copies of her books in print.
Readers and authors will enjoy hearing her thoughts on the art of reinvention, defining the core story, and why emotions in novels are more important than setting.
Check it out! https://pod.link/1575632980
Lindsay is a full-time independent fantasy and science fiction author who loves travel, hiking, tennis, and vizslas. She's written over a hundred novels, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list, and has been twice nominated for a Goodreads Readers' Choice Award.
Tess and Karen loved hearing about how she got her start in publishing, why she decided to set up a Patreon account, and why she believes that free books are a valuable marketing tool for authors. She also explains the writing process that has enabled her to write over 100 books.
Check it out! https://pod.link/1575632980
Join us for the interview with Kim Taylor Blakemore on Allowing Characters to Speak!
Kim Taylor Blakemore is the bestselling author of After Alice Fell and The Companion, as well as young adult novels Bowery Girl and Cissy Funk, winner of the WILLA Literary Award. She is also the recipient of a Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award and three Regional Arts & Culture Council grants.
In addition to writing historical novels about fierce and dangerous women, Kim is the founder of Novelitics, which provides coaching, developmental editing, workshops, and community to writers from around the US and Canada.
Her newest novel is The Deception.
Behind the Book is hosted by authors Tess Thompson and Karen McQuestion, both of whom have a passion for books, lack filters, and are too curious for their own good. Listen to insider scoops, insightful conversation, and lots of laughs as they chat with bestselling authors and other top publishing i...
Today on Behind the Book, an interview with Julianne MacLean! Author Tess Thompson and I loved talking with her about all things writing, and her newest novel, Beyond the Moonlit Sea.
Check it out! https://pod.link/1575632980
This week on BEHIND THE BOOK:
On this episode, Tess & Karen are joined by Heather Wheeler Sadlemire, book promoter extraordinaire! Listen in as she tells what drew her to book promotion, and how she helps authors find their audience. She also discusses current trends in social media (including TikTok!) and explains the advantages of authors teaming up with others when doing giveaways.
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
We were thrilled when Author Tess Thompson's assistant, MaryAnn, graciously agreed to come on the podcast! Listen in as she explains how she got her start, the importance of keeping up to date with innovations in publishing, and why she considers customer service to be part of her job. She also divulges how she assists two authors with diverse personalities, each one writing in a different genre. As a bonus, she also shares some terrific book recommendations.
https://pod.link/1575632980
In our newest episode, thriller author Freida McFadden explains how she creates addictive stories with twists that readers won't see coming.
https://pod.link/1575632980
Today's podcast guest is the highly acclaimed novelist, script writer, and film maker, David Koepp! In this audio clip he describes how he processes story ideas. Description of the episode below.
Enjoy!
Director and writer David Koepp has used his storytelling skills to write screenplays for more than thirty films, including the first two Jurassic Park movies, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, War of the Worlds, Ghost Town (with the enigmatic John Kamps) and Kimi. As an author, he's penned the novels Cold Storage and Aurora. In this interview, he shares how a landscaping problem led to his audiobook, Yard Work, which was narrated by Kevin Bacon. Listeners will also love hearing about his experiences working in the film industry and learning about the inspiration behind his new highly-acclaimed novel, Aurora.
https://pod.link/1575632980
This week on the podcast:
Collectively Tess & Karen have written more than sixty books so it's not surprising that they've picked up a few skills along the way. On this episode they discuss the art of creating complex characters who will strike a chord with readers. Using specific examples from movies and books, they describe methods writers can use to get their characters to the next level. They hope you find it interesting and useful!
https://pod.link/1575632980
Advertising opportunities on BEHIND THE BOOK now available! For more information: https://forms.gle/bk7zRhMPw66xBJWP6
Now on the podcast--the fascinating Ellen Marie Wiseman talks about her upcoming novel, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook!
https://pod.link/1575632980
Are you an author looking for new ways to get the word out about your books? Or are you a reader wondering how authors go about marketing new releases? Well, look no further!
Podcast co-hosts Tess Thompson, a USA Today Bestselling Author, and Karen McQuestion, an Amazon Charts Bestselling Author, have picked up a plethora of marketing tips and tricks over the years. Other authors have been instrumental in helping them along the way, so they've done this episode to pay it forward.
They hope you find it informative and entertaining.
https://pod.link/1575632980
This week on Behind the Book:
Author Dee Ernst is a big believer in writing books with second chance themes! Her newest novel, Lucy Checks In, takes place in Rennes, France, a place she's visited and loves. In this interview, she talks to Tess and Karen about the contrasts between being published by a traditional New York publisher versus Amazon Publishing, and her earlier experiences with indie publishing. Aspiring authors will also love hearing her philosophy that for writers, it's never too late.
https://pod.link/1575632980
This week's interview with Kayte Nunn was second to None (sorry, we couldn't resist!). But seriously, Kayte proved to be a delightful guest, sharing her unconventional process for writing a dual timeline novel, and explaining why writing in a genre helps authors build name recognition and a readership. Tess & Karen also enjoyed hearing how a walk near a lighthouse sparked the idea that led to one of her novels, and learning the food that will never get past her lips (you'll never guess!). Her newest, highly-recommended novel, The Only Child, is a contemporary-historical crime mystery.
Enjoy the show: https://pod.link/1575632980?fbclid=IwAR1dEcs0FKEWkN6vOG2SLRs9chVwoHYF5DXCF-pU2w62YqfUSTo_vzHClWk
On today's episode of Behind the Book:
Tess & Karen loved talking with USA Today and international bestselling author Debra Clopton! She writes wholesome, sweet contemporary, and western romances. All told, her books have sold over three million copies.
In this episode, Debra (in her charming Texas accent) tells a fascinating story of the time a sudden life-threatening illness struck during a writing workshop. After a month-long stay in the hospital, doctors told her that her writing routine was ideally suited for brain recovery.
She also touches on the importance of retaining the authorial voice, and reveals why she deliberately transitioned from being traditionally published to going indie.
Enjoy the show!
https://pod.link/1575632980?fbclid=IwAR0syAyV3vjHuK3bdQGRU9I2uzrSPglQp4tFBE2--rsGL7zXaGtSDeaVCNI
Monday's episode of BEHIND THE BOOK features author Gregory Maguire. It's no exaggeration to say that Tess and Karen could have talked to him all day. He's a master storyteller with no end of fascinating insights and anecdotes. If you love fiction, Broadway shows, or have an interest in the creative process, you're going to love this one!
This is the official description:
Gregory Maguire is a master storyteller, both in the written form and in this interview! Tess & Karen were enthralled, leading to a longer than usual episode. Listen in as Gregory tells how the process of elimination led to his writing career and how an intellectual idea sparks book ideas for him. The ladies loved learning how the composer Stephen Schwartz convinced him that the Broadway musical would honor his intention, and hearing about his experience seeing "Wicked" on stage for the first time. He also shared an amusing story of a visit with P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins series.
https://behindthebook.buzzsprout.com/share
This week's episode!
Jodi Allen Brice writes small town clean and sweet romance. Her previous novels, written under a different name, were paranormal romance novels, but when the virus hit, she felt compelled to write a book that would change hearts and minds.
Enjoy! https://behindthebook.buzzsprout.com/share
On this week's episode, Karen McQuestion talks about the publishing journey of her novel, The Moonlight Child. She and USA Today bestselling Author Tess Thompson also share a plethora marketing strategies for authors.
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
This week's featured guest: Sara Rosett!
For those who aren't familiar with her work:
USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and puzzling whodunits. She is the author of over 30 novels in the genres of cozy and historical mystery.
Sara writes nonfiction for authors, including “How to Write a Series” and “How to Outline a Cozy Mystery.” She also co-hosts a podcast for writers, the Wish I’d Known Then Podcast.
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
Ever wonder about the difference is between a good novel and a great novel? Karen McQuestion shares her thoughts on this and more in our June 6th episode!
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
Jacque Ben-Zekry of Modify Editorial Services is a Developmental Story Editor primarily working with Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Historical novels. She also works in Screen and Stage play story development.
Projects she has worked on have gone on to be New York Time’s bestsellers, Wall Street Journal Bestsellers, and Amazon Bestsellers as well as nominations for the Pen Falkner, The Edgar, The Silver Dagger, The ITW Thriller Award, The Hugo, and The Harper Lee. Jacque has been a developmental story editor for more than 10 years and has worked on over 100 novels. Her clients range from Bestsellers to first time novelists.
Listen the clip as Jacque explains the concept of "the promise of the premise," and then check out the show.
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
Todays' episode features book cover designer Elizabeth Mackey! She talks about trends in covers, fonts, and the creative process.
Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
When you're making plans for Monday, May 9th, we hope you schedule in some time for Behind the Book. Tess called this week's guest her favorite interview of all time!
Author Chris Van Dusen shares how he was chosen to illustrate Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson series, why he prefers to write in rhyme, and what he hopes kids get from his books. Tess and Karen were happy to learn the meaning of the word "gouache" and interested to find out how Chris's name is connected to the Bridgerton Series. This episode is for anyone who loves picture books or has considered writing one some day.
In this clip, Chris talks about what he hopes kids get from his books.
We hope you enjoy it! https://pod.link/1575632980
This week on Behind the Book, Tess & Karen had the pleasure of interviewing author Susan Mallery! Despite having sold 40 million books, she's down to earth and still strives to make each new book her best. She's also funny and outspoken, just her fiction.
We hope you enjoy it! https://pod.link/1575632980
***
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. After writing more than 100 books, she has a writing process that includes prewriting, plotting using the 3 Act Structure, and figuring out the GMC (goal, motivation, conflict). Tess and Karen loved hearing how she struggles with naming characters and how cognizant she is of not repeating herself out of respect for her readers. A master storyteller, Susan's interview was full of personal stories, both humorous and touching.
Today, award-winning author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen was featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal. On May 9th, he's a guest on Behind the Book! We predict listeners are going to find it to be a captivating interview.
Selections from ‘Big Truck, Little Island’ by Chris Van Dusen
Happy Monday! This week on BEHIND THE BOOK:
Tess's good friend and former drama school pal Kristin Carey took time from her busy schedule to talk about the life of a working actor. She also discussed the art of storytelling and revealed the process used in creating a great character. All of this combined with a fascinating personal family story makes for a compelling interview.
Check it out: https://pod.link/1575632980
This week our own Tess Thompson discusses what it takes to successfully create & market a series!
Check it out: https://pod.link/1575632980
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Behind the Book with Tess and Karen posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Behind the Book with Tess and Karen:
In our newest episode, thriller author Freida McFadden explains how she creates addictive stories with twists that readers won't see coming. https://pod.link/1575632980
Today's podcast guest is the highly acclaimed novelist, script writer, and film maker, David Koepp! In this audio clip he describes how he processes story ideas. Description of the episode below. Enjoy! Director and writer David Koepp has used his storytelling skills to write screenplays for more than thirty films, including the first two Jurassic Park movies, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, War of the Worlds, Ghost Town (with the enigmatic John Kamps) and Kimi. As an author, he's penned the novels Cold Storage and Aurora. In this interview, he shares how a landscaping problem led to his audiobook, Yard Work, which was narrated by Kevin Bacon. Listeners will also love hearing about his experiences working in the film industry and learning about the inspiration behind his new highly-acclaimed novel, Aurora. https://pod.link/1575632980
Now on the podcast--the fascinating Ellen Marie Wiseman talks about her upcoming novel, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook! https://pod.link/1575632980
This week on Behind the Book: Author Dee Ernst is a big believer in writing books with second chance themes! Her newest novel, Lucy Checks In, takes place in Rennes, France, a place she's visited and loves. In this interview, she talks to Tess and Karen about the contrasts between being published by a traditional New York publisher versus Amazon Publishing, and her earlier experiences with indie publishing. Aspiring authors will also love hearing her philosophy that for writers, it's never too late. https://pod.link/1575632980
This week's interview with Kayte Nunn was second to None (sorry, we couldn't resist!). But seriously, Kayte proved to be a delightful guest, sharing her unconventional process for writing a dual timeline novel, and explaining why writing in a genre helps authors build name recognition and a readership. Tess & Karen also enjoyed hearing how a walk near a lighthouse sparked the idea that led to one of her novels, and learning the food that will never get past her lips (you'll never guess!). Her newest, highly-recommended novel, The Only Child, is a contemporary-historical crime mystery. Enjoy the show: https://pod.link/1575632980?fbclid=IwAR1dEcs0FKEWkN6vOG2SLRs9chVwoHYF5DXCF-pU2w62YqfUSTo_vzHClWk
Monday's episode of BEHIND THE BOOK features author Gregory Maguire. It's no exaggeration to say that Tess and Karen could have talked to him all day. He's a master storyteller with no end of fascinating insights and anecdotes. If you love fiction, Broadway shows, or have an interest in the creative process, you're going to love this one! This is the official description: Gregory Maguire is a master storyteller, both in the written form and in this interview! Tess & Karen were enthralled, leading to a longer than usual episode. Listen in as Gregory tells how the process of elimination led to his writing career and how an intellectual idea sparks book ideas for him. The ladies loved learning how the composer Stephen Schwartz convinced him that the Broadway musical would honor his intention, and hearing about his experience seeing "Wicked" on stage for the first time. He also shared an amusing story of a visit with P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins series. https://behindthebook.buzzsprout.com/share
Jacque Ben-Zekry of Modify Editorial Services is a Developmental Story Editor primarily working with Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Historical novels. She also works in Screen and Stage play story development. Projects she has worked on have gone on to be New York Time’s bestsellers, Wall Street Journal Bestsellers, and Amazon Bestsellers as well as nominations for the Pen Falkner, The Edgar, The Silver Dagger, The ITW Thriller Award, The Hugo, and The Harper Lee. Jacque has been a developmental story editor for more than 10 years and has worked on over 100 novels. Her clients range from Bestsellers to first time novelists. Listen the clip as Jacque explains the concept of "the promise of the premise," and then check out the show. Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
Todays' episode features book cover designer Elizabeth Mackey! She talks about trends in covers, fonts, and the creative process. Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
When you're making plans for Monday, May 9th, we hope you schedule in some time for Behind the Book. Tess called this week's guest her favorite interview of all time! Author Chris Van Dusen shares how he was chosen to illustrate Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson series, why he prefers to write in rhyme, and what he hopes kids get from his books. Tess and Karen were happy to learn the meaning of the word "gouache" and interested to find out how Chris's name is connected to the Bridgerton Series. This episode is for anyone who loves picture books or has considered writing one some day. In this clip, Chris talks about what he hopes kids get from his books. We hope you enjoy it! https://pod.link/1575632980
Happy Monday! This week on BEHIND THE BOOK: Tess's good friend and former drama school pal Kristin Carey took time from her busy schedule to talk about the life of a working actor. She also discussed the art of storytelling and revealed the process used in creating a great character. All of this combined with a fascinating personal family story makes for a compelling interview. Check it out: https://pod.link/1575632980
Mike Chen is a critically acclaimed science fiction author based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. During the interview, Tess & Karen loved hearing about his creative process and how he manages to write while working a day job and home schooling his daughter. Listen in to find out which of his novels is the book of his heart, how he uses the three-act structure to outline his novels, and what it was like to write a Star Wars novel. Enjoy! https://pod.link/1575632980
A special episode this week! Read on: Tess & Karen enjoyed interviewing New York Times bestselling thriller author Heather Gudenkauf. From writing her first novel longhand during summer break as a third-grade teacher, to landing on bestseller lists and becoming an award-winning novelist, Heather has plenty of stories to share. Listen in as she explains why she calls her first drafts "writing ugly" and how her characters tend to take over. The ladies also loved hearing why Iowa works so well as a setting for intrigue and suspense. All of this and more makes for a compelling episode! https://pod.link/1575632980
Episode #44 Monday, March 28th. Tess dubbed author Boo Walker "the coolest guest ever." Boo has worked as a composer, musician, and wine aficionado, but he eventually found his true calling as a novelist. Listen in to hear the story of how his mother-in-law served as the inspiration for his bestselling novel, THE SINGING TREES. He also talks about the importance of resilience for writers and how his writing process sometimes includes giving his characters a chance to live in his head. In this clip Boo talks about his mother-in-law's role in finding a plot for one of his novels. Readers and writers alike will enjoy this one! https://pod.link/1575632980
New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth was a delightful guest! Tess and Karen enjoyed hearing the story of how she wrote her first book as a precocious seven-year-old. More recently, she shared how she failed to maintain her cool when meeting with Amy Poehler (whose production company nabbed the rights to Sally's novel The Mother-in-Law). Aspiring writers will be interested in hearing how Sally balances the writing life with mothering three children and be relieved to hear her belief in the necessity of an imperfect first draft. Enjoy the show! https://pod.link/1575632980
Tess & Karen have never interviewed an author with such an eclectic background! A former Broadway performer, TV series regular, and martial arts instructor (she's a 5th degree black belt!), Tori Eldridge's path to publication was definitely unconventional. Listen in as she talks about her bestselling Lily Wong series, her unusual approach to writing fight scenes, and how "thinking walks" help her creative process. This is one episode you don't want to miss! https://bit.ly/3F6MVxr
#38-- February 14th, 2022 We were delighted to interview New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Fox! Listen to this clip as she describes the phone call in which she learned her novel, SEND FOR ME, was was chosen as A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club pick and then check out the rest of the podcast. Readers and writers alike will enjoy this interview! https://bit.ly/3F6MVxr
From drama school to becoming a USA Today bestselling author! It's Tess Day on the podcast! Karen puts her co-host Tess squarely in the interview chair and learns a ton about her partner that she didn't know. Tess gives great advice to aspiring authors, and shares the 'ups and downs' of her publishing career as well as what inspires her. Enjoy the show! https://bit.ly/3F6MVxr
Elana Johnson writes clean and wholesome beach romance, because she believes everyone deserves a happily-ever-after in the golden sunset. During our January 10th episode, she discusses the importance of helping other authors, finding the unicorn of success, the meaning of the term market-adjacent, and how she used her kids' names to create one of her pseudonyms. Enjoy the show! https://bit.ly/3F6MVxr
Episode #30! Authors S.J. Varengo and Craig A. Hart are co-writers who've collaborated on several series while still maintaining a fast friendship. Listen in as they talk about the time they wrote a novella in eleven days, the fun of having a writing partner, and the benefits of having a synopsis and outline prior to writing a novel. https://bit.ly/3F6MVxr
Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?
