Why We Write

Why We Write


Latest Episodes

Dark fantasy writer Zin E. Clarke wins with "Flowers from the Sea"
February 22, 2023

Zin E. Rocklyn speaks on their Shirley Jackson Award-winning novella “Flowers for the Sea" with fellow speculative fiction author and Lesley University faculty Laurie Foos.

In ‘A Fractured Infinity,’ a sci-fi love story spans the metaverse
November 22, 2022

Lesley alum Nathan Tavares imagines a getaway across multiple worlds.

A.J. Verdelle's 'Literary Friendship' with Toni Morrison
November 01, 2022

A.J. writes about her relationship with the Beloved author, including their "two and a half spats" in Miss Chloe: A Memoir of a Literary Friendship with Toni Morrison. In this episode, A.J. sits down

Emily Inouye Huey explores Japanese-American history in YA debut
October 18, 2022

Emily Inouye Huey shares the inspiration for her debut, "Beneath the Wide Silk Sky."

Sara Farizan on Chucky Dolls, an Evil Pinball Machine and Writing Horror
October 04, 2022

Sara Farizan talks about her first YA horror novel, "Dead Flip," a not-too-scary of nostalgia, friendship, and an evil pinball machine.

Grace K. Shim brings K-dramas to the page
September 13, 2022

Grace K. Shim's debut is full of twists, turns, and lots of Korean drama.

Saraciea J. Fennell is Bringing Books to the Bronx
June 20, 2022

As a Black Honrouran woman, book publicist, editor, and all-around book lover, Saraciea J. Fennell is working to improve literacy and access to books in one of New York's poorest counties.

Rebecca Rolland on 'The Art of Talking with Children'
June 07, 2022

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who will one day in encounter a child, Rebecca Rolland 17 has advice for how to respond to kids, and most importantly, how to listen.

'Mother Noise' author Cindy House on addiction, parenting, and David Sedaris
May 24, 2022

With heartfelt, gritty and sometimes funny essays, Cindy House's debut "Mother Noise" address addiction, parenting, and the author's long friendship with David Sedaris.

Starting a literary podcast with Tavi Taylor Black and Christine Junge
May 10, 2022

Tavi Taylor Black and Christine Junge are the podcasters behind the literary podcast "The Personal Element." They take us through their process, and we discuss an essay from Cindy House's forthcoming