Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer introduces their book and reads a selection from it. Beena Kamlani, author of The English Problem, reads an excerpt from her debut novel. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/…

Kendra Winchester talks to Wes Browne, the author of They All Fall the Same and Hillbilly Hustle. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia Newsletter Chicago Sun-Times Points Fingers for AI Article Debacle Books Mentioned Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez A is for Affrilachia by Frank X Walker, Il…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Aaron John Curtis, author of Old School Indian, joined the podcast to discuss always taking art and writing seriously, being a bookseller, and hoping that those who will connect with his book will find it. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https:/…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by poet Raye Hendrix. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia's Newsletter Books Mentioned What Good Is Heaven by Raye Hendrix Judas Goat by Gabrielle Bates Blue Yodel by Ansel Elkins The Coal Life by Adam…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Jemimah Wei, author of The Original Daughter, joined the podcast to discuss literary friendships, what "success" means, and knowing what she wanted to write. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780385551014 Links! Jemimah…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Jim Minick. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia Newsletter Owning It Audiobook Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative Books Mentioned The Intimacy of Spoons by Jim Minick Blueberry Years by Jim Mi…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer introduces their book and reads a selection from it. Sarah Aziza, author of The Hollow Half, reads an excerpt from her debut memoir. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://www.sarahaziza.com…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Denne Michele Norris, author of When the Harvest Comes, joined the podcast to discuss getting over false starts, building community, and finding Big Chief's truth. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593729601 Links! D…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Amy Le Ann Richardson. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio Executive Order Targeting the IMLS Support Libraries with Libro.fm Books Mentioned Out of Places by Amy Le Ann Richardson Who You Grow Into by Amy Le Ann Richardson Render / …

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Jon Hickey, author of Big Chief, joined the podcast to discuss getting over false starts, building community, and finding Big Chief's truth. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668046463 Links! Jon Hickey on the Intern…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer introduces their book and reads a selection from it. Lena Moses-Schmitt, author of True Mistakes, reads three poems from her debut poetry collection. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://b…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Siliva Park, author of Luminous, joined the podcast to discuss the use of pronouns in Korean, starting their debut as a middle-grade novel, and writing sibling stories. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668021668 Lin…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Colwill Brown, author of We Pretty Pieces of Flesh, joined the podcast to discuss how growing up in Doncaster, coming to terms with a long-term invisible disability, and how this novel came to her on a bench. You can purchase a copy of the book here: http…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Jared Lemus, author of Guatemalan Rhapsody, joined the podcast to discuss how Guatemala inspires him, being a pantser with a belt, what he means by "the fundamental level," and the difference between writing a short story and a novel. You can purchase a c…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Sarah Lyn Rogers, author of Cosmic Tantrum, reads three poems from her debut poetry collection. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https:/…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Alejandro Heredia, author of Loca, joined the podcast to discuss the interiority of characters, why he wrote about the Dominican Village in the Bronx, immigration, and queerness. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Freda Epum, author of The Gloomy Girl Variety Show, reads a short excerpt from her debut memoir. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https:…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Olufunke Grace Bankole, author of The Edge of Water, joined the podcast to discuss the power of coffee, taking an untraditional path to publishing, and why embracing the unknown can lead to success. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://booksh…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Kyle Paoletta, author of American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest, reads a short excerpt from his debut nonfiction book.…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Aria Aber, author of Good Girl, joined the podcast to discuss always wanting to be an artist of some kind, writing in English vs German or Farsi, and figuring out how to find her characters' desires. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://books…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Maria Zoccola, author of Helen of Troy, 1993, reads three poems from her debut poetry collection. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Karissa Chen, author of Homeseeking, joined the podcast to discuss how her MFA at Sarah Lawrence gave her confidence as a writer, how being a lit mag editor helped shape her own writing, and how she explores that romantic and familial love can endure desp…

DISCOVER THE BEST DEBUT BOOKS OF 2024! DISCOVER THE MOST ANTICIPATED DEBUT BOOKS OF 2025! Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book recommendations. Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their app…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Idra Novey. Books Mentioned Soon and Wholly by Idra Novey Take What You Need by Idra Novey Frank: Sonnets by Diane Seuss The Stone Catchers by Laura Leigh Morris Guest Info Idra Novey: Website | Twitter | Instagram --- Show Your Love for Read Appalachia!…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, MARGUERITE SHEFFER reads an excerpt from their debut book, The Man in the Banana Trees! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.or…

Maya Kessler, the author of Rosenfeld, joined the podcast to discuss being a perfectionist, writing sex, and what is and isn't lost in translated literature. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668053454 Maya Kessler on the Internet: https://www.mayakessler.com/about/ Maya Kessler on Instagram: https://www.insta…

Marie Tierney, the author of Deadly Animals, joined the podcast to discuss bleak endings, whodunnit vs whydunnit books, and why animals fascinate her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250357595 Debutiful on the Internet: https://www.debutiful.net Debutiful on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debutiful Deb…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, PATRICIA CORAL reads an excerpt from their debut book, Women Surrounded By Water! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/33…

In today’s episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester talks to authors Rae Garringer and Chris Aluka Berry. Books Mentioned Country Queers: A Love Letter by Rae Garringer Affrilachia: Testimonies by. Chris Aluka Berry Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison Southernmost by Silas House The Prettiest Star by Carter …

Ruthvika Rao, the author of The Fertile Earth, joined the podcast to discuss a career pivot, letting her characters drive the story, and how to crystalize time on the page. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250899903 Ruthvika Rao on the Internet: https://www.ruthvikarao.com/ Ruthvika Rao on Instagram: https://…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, CAMERON WALKER reads an excerpt from their debut book, How to Capture Carbon! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97…

Mike Fu, the author of Masquerade, joined the podcast to discuss how studying across the globe influenced his reading and writing, how he wrote and edited his debut novel, and where he wants to take his writing next. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030843 Mike Fu on the Internet: https://www.mikefu.me/ Mi…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, CHERRY LOU SY reads an excerpt from their debut novel Love Can't Feed You! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780…

Amy Stuber, the author of Sad Grownups, joined the podcast to discuss publishing in her fifties, why short stories are the purest form of writing, and how she gets inspiration from the people around her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780996981668 Amy Stuber on the Internet: https://www.amystuber.com/ Amy Stub…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, BRITTANY ROGERS reads an excerpt from their debut novel GOOD DRESS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97819590308…

Bruna Dantas Lobato, the author of Blue Light Hours, joined the podcast to discuss her translation work, why connections across continents matter, and how Zoom conversations helped her write her book. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780802163776 Bruna Dantas Lobato on the Internet: https://www.brunadantaslobato…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, TAMMY ARMSTRONG reads an excerpt from their debut novel PEARLY EVERLASTING! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/978…

Rae Garringer, the author of Country Queers: A Love Letter, joined the podcast to discuss being an oral historian, why rural stories matter, and how we can support Appalachia when the region needs us the most. To support support rural disaster relief please consider donating to the following mutual aid funds recommended by Rae: Western North Caroli…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Lilliam Rivera reads an excerpt from their debut novel TINY THREADS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593600…

Ledia Xhoga, the author of Misinterpretation, joined the podcast to discuss K-Drama recommendations, combining humor and suspense, and finding inspiration in hearing conversations. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030805 Ledia Xhoga on the Internet: https://www.lediaxhoga.com/ Ledia Xhoga on Instagram: htt…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Benjamin Resnick reads an excerpt from their debut novel NEXT STOP! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97816680666…

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Emilie Menzel. Books Mentioned The Girl Who Became a Rabbit by Emilie Menzel The Book of Frank by Caconrad Sea & Fog by Etel Adnan Whatsaid Serif by Nathaniel Mackey Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter Guest Info Emilie Menzel: Instagram | Web…

Jessica Elisheva Emerson, the author of Olive Days, joined the podcast to discuss how libraries helped mold her and why she writes about Los Angeles. Plus, she gives book recommendations! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781640096530 Jessica Elisheva Emerson on the Internet: https://www.elishevaemerson.com/ Jess…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Nora Lange reads an excerpt from their debut novel US FOOLS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781953387516 Emil…

In today’s episode, host Kendra Winchester talks to debut authors Monic Ductan and Laura Leigh Morris. Things Mentioned Debutiful Books Mentioned Daughters of Muscadine by Monic Ductan The Stone Catchers by Laura Leigh Morris Mama Said by Kristen Gentry Deep Ruts by Julie Rae Powers The Sound of Holding Your Breath by Natalie Sypolt Horsepower by J…

Katherine Packert Burke, the author of Still Life, joined the podcast to discuss the books she wrote before her debut, writing close to her real life, and the future of trans writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781324076360 Katherine Packert Burke on the Internet: https://katherinepackertburke.com/ Katheri…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Emilie Menzel reads an excerpt from their debut novel THE GIRL WHO BECAME A RABBIT! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a…

Gina María Balibrera, the author of The Volcano Daughters, joined the podcast to discuss turning a short story into a novel, finding inspiration in the past, and why ghost stories are so appealing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593317235 Gina María Balibrera on the Internet: https://ginabalibrera.com/ Gina…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Komail Aijazuddin reads an excerpt from their debut novel MANBOOBS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97814197738…

Sam Sax, the author of Yr Dead, joined the podcast to discuss poetry, finding inspiration, and what the process was like for writing their debut novel. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781952119996 Sam Sax on the Internet: https://www.samsax.com Sam Sax on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsax1/ Sam Sax on…