Best R J Dickens Podcasts (2025)

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Michael Connelly--the master storyteller of modern crime novels 12:03

6d ago12:03

12:03

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Michael Connelly inherited his love of mystery novels from his own mother how the detective stories of Raymond Chandler played a pivotal role in Connelly's path to become a bestselling author of detective stories how a little known event in his youth foreshadowed Connelly's interest in police work of the incredib…

1
Sir Ridley Scott, Cinematic Storyteller Genius 11:44

1M ago11:44

11:44

In this episode, you'll discover-- how Sir Ridley Scott went from advertising mogul to major movie director how even though he ranks among the top grossing directors of all time, he had to wait half his life for his chance to direct a his first major motion picture how so many of his films, which were not appreciated initially, became cult and fan …

1
"Liar Queen" Interview with author M T Solomon 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

Send us a text Today on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general. We then explore her writing journey—from …

1
Clive Cussler, an adventurer in fiction and real life 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

In this episode you'll learn-- how Clive Cussler turned his love of the sea into best-selling, action-adventure novels how Cussler went from writing award winning ads to bestselling thrillers how Cussler managed "the willing suspension of disbelief" of readers at a level matched by few authors how Cussler's real life adventures were nearly as momen…

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Nora Roberts--the Juggernaut of Romance Fiction 12:55

3M ago12:55

12:55

In this episode, you'll learn-- how the origin story of the most successful romance writer of all time how Roberts came to author fiction under four different names how Roberts has managed to write and publish more bestsellers than any other author The secret behind Roberts prodigious output of fiction. Check out the backstories you never knew abou…

1
J. R. R. Tolkien--the imagination that birthed epic Middle Earth stories 14:24

4M ago14:24

14:24

In this episode, you learn-- how the early tragedies, triumphs and experiences of his young life inspired his fantasy tales the unlikely path Tolkien's invented story for his children took to become a bestseller with more than 100 million copies how it took Tolkien almost two decades to develop, research, write and publish Lord of the Rings how the…

1
Dr. Seuss and His World Famous Grinch 12:37

5M ago12:37

12:37

In this episode, you will learn-- how Dr. Seuss went from commercial artist to the most famous author of early reading books in America how the narrative of the Grinch captures the sense of Christmas for both kids and adults where the inspiration for the Grinch came from some of the incredible awards Dr. Seuss has won and those he hasn't Check out …

1
Dick Francis--A Thriller Writer to Bet On 11:07

6M ago11:07

11:07

In this episode, you'll learn-- How Dick Francis excelled as a British jockey and horseman How he used this novel to create a sub genre of thrillers and mysteries How his writing awards include the only author to win the "Edgar" for mystery of the year, three different times How Dick Francis accomplished in his writing something no other bestsellin…

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The Catalyst: an Interview with Nat Bickel 35:06

7M ago35:06

35:06

Send us a text In today's episode I speak with author Nat Bickel! She was just written and published a new YA novel called "The Catalyst". We discuss some favorite books, her writing journey, and the highs and lows of self publishing! "Kelynn Sanders has a head full of dreams almost as overwhelming as the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. She…

1
A Graveyard of Secrets - an interview with authors Heidi O’Barr and Jessica Thompson! 40:59

7M ago40:59

40:59

Send us a text In today's episode, I sit and have a fun conversation with authors Heidi O'Barr and returning guest Jessica Thompson! Secrets will be revealed! They will shock you!... Ok maybe not, but I had a delightful time discusing the joys of reading and writing with two cozy mystery writers. They have a new collection of cozy mystery short sto…

1
Mary Shelley, the young mind behind the monster 12:33

8M ago12:33

12:33

In this episode, you'll discover-- Mary Shelley's unique upbringing as the daughter of two famous and controversial figures Mary's unusual courtship and marriage to to the Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley the incredible popularity of a monster invented by a 17-year-old girl, long beyond the book the tortured childhood that led Mary to envision s…

1
Bottled Secrets, Haunted Houses, and Creative Inspiration: an Interview with Author Mary Kendall 47:03

8M ago47:03

47:03

Send us a text In today's story I interview Mary Kendall, the author of "Bottled Secrets of Rosewood", how her experiences inspire her creativity, and we discuss our favorite authors including Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, and more! If you need more books to add to your TBR, listen to this episode today! Find Mary and her book online here: https://ww…

1
Mary Higgins Clark, the unlikely Queen of Suspense 14:33

8M ago14:33

14:33

In this episode, you'll discover-- how Ms. Clark knew she was a writer from the age of 6 how she honed her craft writing advertising copy and radio shows how her first novel was a flop but she persevered how she had to overcome personal and family tragedies and use these experiences to fuel her writing Check out the backstories you never knew about…

1
Scotland, Witches, and Cozy Mysteries: an interview with author Felicity Green 40:15

9M ago40:15

40:15

Send us a text In today's episode, I interview author Felicity Green. She is the author of the Scottish Witches Cozy Mystery Series. Her books are an excellent choice if you want some witchy cozy mysteries to read this October! Not only do we also explore her author journey from actress to author, we also end up talking about a lot of great cozy my…

1
Talking Back to Stories: an interview with Author Jeanne Blasberg 40:03

9M ago40:03

40:03

Send us a text Hello Bookworms! Have you ever wondered what goes into writing a retelling of a classics story, legend, or myth? I discuss that topic and more with our guest today, author Jeanne Blasberg. She has written the book "Daughter of a Promise", and it is a modern day retelling of the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. We talk about how…

1
Anne Frank's Diary--Its Incredible Success and Controversy 13:16

9M ago13:16

13:16

In this episode, listeners will learn'' how Anne was able to chronicle the Frank's family challenges as representative of the horrors of the Holocaust how Anne Frank aspired to become a journalist after the war and how this fueled her writing how the incredible popularity of her diary has led to some world-wide controversies. Check out the backstor…

1
Lee Child--the Master Thriller Writer 13:27

10M ago13:27

13:27

In this episode you'll learn-- how a corporate downsizing gave birth to one of the premier thriller writers of today how Child has created the larger than life character of Jack Reacher the strange process Child uses to write his best selling novels Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!…

1
Confessions of a (Not So) Boring Reader: A Conversation with Author Anna A. Armstrong 46:06

11M ago46:06

46:06

Send us a text In this episode of "The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast" we celebrate being boring! I have the pleasure of interviewing cozy mystery writer Anna A. Armstrong - who is NOT a boring writer! We kick off our conversation by discussing our mutual love for Jane Austen, acknowledging that while it may seem basic to some, we find immense comfort i…

1
Charles Dickens: The Stories of His Life: with guest author Jesper Soerensen 50:04

11M ago50:04

50:04

Send us a text After an unplanned short hiatus from the podcast, I'm back behind the mic talking about my favorite author, Charles Dickens. My guest today is author Jesper Soerensen and he's just written a book about Dickens and his stories. In the episode we talk about his book, we share plenty of recommendations, and have a lot of discussion abou…

1
The Unlikely Story of a Favorite Childhood Author, Beatrix Potter 11:56

12M ago11:56

11:56

In the episode, you'll learn-- how Beatrix Potter became one of the leading amateur scientists of her day how her love of animals led to her artistic rendering of these small creatures in her works how she came to writer "tiny" children's books which have rolled up sales to rival some of the biggest selling authors how her business savvy put her ye…

1
Stephen King, More than Just the King of Horror 13:28

1y ago13:28

13:28

In this episode, you will learn-- how Stephen King went from high school English teacher to best selling author how Carrie, his first horror novel and bestseller, almost ended in the landfill how King earned the record for most literary works picked up as film and TV projects 5 things you probably never knew about the "King of Horror" Check out the…

1
The 17-Year "Overnight Success" of James Patterson 14:11

1y ago14:11

14:11

In this episode, you'll learn-- how James Patterson became the best selling author of the past two centuries how Patterson collaborated with fellow authors to produce more than 100 titles how Patterson used his experience as an advertising executive to inform his marketing efforts for his books how it took Patterson 17 years of writing to reach com…

1
Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice... and Football? | Discussion with Jessica Thompason and J. R. Lancaster, Part 2 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

Send us a text In today's episode, I play part 2 of my interview with authors Jessica Thompson and J. R. Lancaster. We talk about Jane Austen, our experiences reading her books, and favorite adaptations. I also share some of my favorite Jane Austen memes that came up out of the Super Bowl, we discuss other favorite mystery writers, and more! Thanks…

1
Alex Haley's History Lesson for 140 Million Americans 13:40

1y ago13:40

13:40

In this episode, listeners will learn-- How Alex Haley learned the craft of writing in the Coast Guard How Haley became the preeminent interviewer of famous African Americans and other celebrities How his first book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, made publishing history and made Haley a household name How his family story, Roots, won awards and s…

1
The Luck of the Irish: A New Cozy Mystery Anthology! with guests J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson, Part 1 27:28

1y ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text Welcome to the first part of a two part conversation I have with mystery authors J. R. Lancaster and Jessica Thompson. Today, we're talking Murders, mysteries, and St. Patrick's Day... along with some "meet cute" stories! These authors are here to talk about their new St. Patrick's Day-Themed Cozy Mystery Anthology, edited by Jessica…

1
Boo Trundle: The Healing Power of Writing Your Truth 44:45

1y ago44:45

44:45

Send us a text My guest today is the author Boo Trundle, who has written one of the most interesting and captivating novels I've ever read. "The Daughter Ship", a very personal novel that tells of one woman's journey to find healing. The story focuses on Katherine, a wife and mother who is struggling on the brink of despair. Helping to tell her sto…

1
Puerto Rican Stories: A Conversation with Author Margarita Barresi 37:48

1+ y ago37:48

37:48

Send us a text My guest today is Margarita Barresi, author of "A Delicate Marriage". Her novel is a personal one, a novel that "celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage." In our conversation, Margarita tells stories of her family that inspired her s…

1
What Your Teacher Never Told You about John Steinbeck 14:02

1+ y ago14:02

14:02

IN this episode you'll learn-- how John Steinbeck became one the most respected American authors how his novels have been recognized as "the Great American Novel" how his work is also some of the most banned books in the US how he had to persevere through personal struggles including being investigated by the FBI Check out the backstories you never…

1
In Which We Use Our Little Grey Cells: A Celebration of Agatha Christie, with author Jessica Thompson 41:43

1+ y ago41:43

41:43

Send us a text In today's episode, I have author Jessica Thompson back on the podcast. We talk about her new book coming out just in time for Valentines Day: A Caterer's Guide to Valentines and Violence. Then we get down to discussing one of our favorite mystery writers: Agatha Christie, the Grand Master of detective fiction! We chat about our hist…

1
The Amazing Future World Imagined by Gene Roddenberry 13:13

1+ y ago13:13

13:13

In this episode you'll learn how Gene Roddenberry went from LAPD cop to TV screenwriter how Roddenberry progressed from writing episodes on successful Westerns and cop series to imagining the most successful sci-fi concept of all time how Star Trek had a rough time getting launched and almost died after three years about the remarkable journey Rodd…

1
Bullet Through the Art: The Joyful Writing Journey of Author Anne Seidel 53:26

1+ y ago53:26

53:26

Send us a text My guest today is cozy mystery author Anne Seidel. She has a new book in a new series out called "Bullet Through the Art: A Sam Gordon Cozy Mystery." In today's episode we talk about her writing journey from screenplays to mystery novels; We talk about her reading life and our mutual love for audio books; and she offers up a ton of w…

1
The Surprising Origin of O Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" 11:50

1+ y ago11:50

11:50

In this episode, you'll learn-- how O Henry wrote got some of his earliest stories from prison how "The Gift of the Magi" is one of the most copied Christmas stories of all time how O Henry's difficult circumstances led to some inspirational writings Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!…

1
Christmas Mugs and Other Magical Crockery: An Interview with Amey Zeigler 44:15

1+ y ago44:15

44:15

Send us a text Welcome to our Christmas episode! Today I talk to author Amey Zeigler. She's just written a new Christmas book called "The Christmas Mug" - It's book two in the Helping of Hope Series! In the interview we talk about our favorite reads and authors (Brandon Sanderson is a must; Calvin & Hobbes is essential reading... ). Then we explore…

1
Shannon Symonds is Booked for Murder! 46:44

1+ y ago46:44

46:44

Send us a text My guest is cozy mystery writer Shannon Symonds. She's just published the first book in the brand new Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery Series! In this interview we get distracted talking about all the books we've enjoyed reading lately, but then dig into her story and talk about her writing journey. She also talks about her Christmas myster…

1
Woman of Valor: an Interview with author Lynne Golodner 33:32

1+ y ago33:32

33:32

Send us a text Join us on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast as we embark on a captivating journey with acclaimed author Lynne Golodner. In this episode, Lynne shares her journey behind her novel, "Woman of Valor." This novel delves into the intricate layers of identity, infidelity, true love, and the liberating process of shedding the need to please ot…

1
Robert Parker--the author who resurrected the PI mystery 13:55

1+ y ago13:55

13:55

In this episode you'll learn-- how Parker went from technical writer to bestselling author how Parker created four bestselling series of crime novels how his novels embraced a wide diversity of characters, well before his time how he had more than 70 books published in genres ranging from mystery to Westerns to coming-of-age to a YA novel the proce…

1
Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up: an Interview with author Jessica Thompson 39:52

1+ y ago39:52

39:52

Send us a text In today's episode, I talk to author Jessica Thompson. She has a new book out called "Shoot Shovel & Shut Up". We talk about her new book and discuss some writing tips. Jessica Thompson's website: https://jessicathompsonauthor.com/ ____________ There are 4 ways you can help support the channel! -Like and subscribe! -I'm now a booksho…

1
Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense 15:22

1+ y ago15:22

15:22

In this episode you'll learn== how Alfred Hitchcock went from a quiet and unassuming young man to the master of suspense and horror films how Hitchcock went from director in the UK to the top director of suspense in the US how Hitchcock transitioned into TV with his successful "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" series where his uncanny ability to create e…

1
Katie Lumsden's Victorian Odyssey: an interview with an exciting new voice in historical fiction 49:39

1+ y ago49:39

49:39

Send us a text Hello! In today's episode I interview new author Katie Lumsden - she is a booktuber and we share a love of Victorian literature in general and Dickens in particular. We talk about her new book The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, her reading journey into Victorian literature, and discuss why it's important to read the classics, even if they…

1
Anne Perry, Talented and Prolific Mystery and Thriller Writer 10:42

1+ y ago10:42

10:42

In the episode, you'll learn How Anne Perry rose from a sickly and troubled youth to one of the most prolific writers of best-selling mysteries and thrillers How Anne Perry waited decades before her first novel found an agent, a publisher and an audience How Perry infused her novels with an unparalleled understanding of historical research How Perr…

1
The Surprising Contradictions of Mark Twain 13:44

2y ago13:44

13:44

In this episode, you'll hear how Mark Twain used other pen names before settling on Mark Twain how Twain was interested in science but didn't make good choices on technology investments how Twain went into publishing with results he never anticipated how Twain draws his humor and wit for writing and speaking Check out the backstories you never knew…

1
Shel Silverstein--The Playboy Who Became the Premier 20th Century Children's Poet 12:17

2y ago12:17

12:17

In this interesting episode you'll learn-- how Shel Silverstein's works of poetry beat the sales records of all hardcover books how Shel did early work for Playboy magazine and became a favorite of Huff Heffner and several Playboy bunnies how Silverstein also achieved breakthrough success in the music world how Silverstein even conquered Broadway a…

1
Book Launch: "Someone's Always Watching": an interview with new author J. R. Lancaster 43:22

2y ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text In today's episode I get the privilege to sit down with J. R. Lancaster and talk about her new mystery, "Someone's Always Watching". We talk about some great books we've read lately, her writing journey, writing tips, and more! Find J. R. Lancaster online - website, newsletter, and more: https://linktr.ee/jrlancaster Books Mentioned:…

1
You're Never Too Young (Or Too Old!) to Write Your Story: with guest Shanti Hershenson 26:34

2y ago26:34

26:34

Send us a text My guest today is an absolute inspiration - a young author who didn't wait to follow her dreams to become a writer! Shanti Hershenson is the author of The Bane of Angelfall Academy and the Biome Lock Saga - and many more, all at the age of 15 years old. My hope is the young people, and people young at heart!, will find inspiration fr…

1
J K Rowling--A Most Unlikely Literary Superstar 15:34

2y ago15:34

15:34

In this episode, you will learn-- how J K Rowling broke every sales record for books in English how JK Rowling's first novel was rejected by publisher after publisher how J K Rowling became the first female billionaire novelist about the traumatic and desperate circumstances she had to endure to get her story told Check out the backstories you neve…

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Educating Youth Through Literature: a Juneteenth Conversation with Author Tonya Duncan Ellis 46:50

2y ago46:50

46:50

Send us a text In today's episode, I sit down with children's author Tonya Duncan Ellis to delve into the world of literature that tells interesting stories but also educates. We talk about her immensely popular YA book series, Sophie Washington, and her journey to publication. We'll also get a sneak peak at her upcoming children's picture book, "T…

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This Summer, Write Your Own Story: Tips for Teenage Writers! Part 1 with special guest Raquel Drosos 40:41

2y ago40:41

40:41

Send us a text As school is out for the summer now, I'm going to have a couple of episodes that encourages teens - or anyone really - to pick up that pen or sit down in front of the computer, and write a story. So today, my guest is author Raquel Drosos. I was inspired by her recent blog post "7 Tips for Teenage Writers" and found it to be good adv…

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From Bored to Bookworm: How to Turn Summer Break into a Book Bonanza! with guest Melanie Notaras 47:08

2y ago47:08

47:08

Send us a text In today's episode, I go to "the land down under" to speak with author Melanie Notaras. She wrote the children's book "The Art Show that Came to Life" and it stars Your School! Find out all about this custom made book can help your local school put the "FUN" in FUNdraising! Melanie and I also share some tips about how to encourage ki…

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Does Food Tell a Story? an Interview with Cozy Mystery Author Wendy Sand Eckel 45:30

2y ago45:30

45:30

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why food blogs and online recipes always seem to attach a lengthy story to their recipes? It turns out, there's a good reason for that... My guest today is cozy mystery author Wendy Sand Eckel. She is the author of the "farm-to-table" Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. In today's episode we talk about her journey to …

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The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing: A Conversation with Douglas Robbins 43:26

2y ago43:26

43:26

Send us a text My guest today is Douglas Robbins. He's the author of "Naricon: The Cloaked Deception", "Love in a Dying Town", and more. He's also the host of the podcast "Den of Discussion"! Today we talk about his writing journey, why he chose the self-publishing route, and why that might just be the route for you to take too! And of course, we h…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

R J Dickens Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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