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In today’s episode, Daniel Aleman drops by to talk with Rebekah and Tara about his newest novel Brighter Than the Sun (releasing March, 21st, 2023) about a teen girl shouldering impossibly large responsibilities and ultimately learning that she doesn’t have to do it alone. Daniel is the award-winning author of Indivisible, his debut novel. While born and raised in Mexico City, he currently makes the Toronto area home where he is passionate about books, dogs, and coffee. Listen as they chat about the important message of Brighter Than the Sun, racism, the need for community, and the ups and downs of his journey to becoming an award-winning author.  Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Daniel’s books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today’s episode of Hope Prose, author Charity Alyse sits down with Tara and Rebekah to talk about her debut novel Other Side of the Tracks. Charity earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature at Rowan University and when she’s not writing, she is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health therapy. Listen as they have a robust discussion about her debut, racism, the importance of fiction in conveying serious issues, her hopes for her readers, and fighting back against people who tell you to “quit” your daydream. Oh, and we can’t forget the tears shed during the recording. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Charity’s book Other Side of the Tracks can be pre-ordered from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781534497719

In today’s episode, Carmen Schober joins Tara and Rebekah to talk about her newest novel Pretty Little Pieces (releasing Dec. 6th, 2022) about the next Joanna Gaines.  A mother of three, Rocky enthusiast, and perpetual project starter, Carmen writes clean, faith-based contemporary romance. Her MMA-themed debut After She Falls is available wherever you buy books. Listen in to hear what inspired her to write a story about a celebrity home designer, if a writing degree is necessary for being a successful writer, the redemption in brokenness, and her journey to publication.  TRIGGER WARNING: the excerpt from Pretty Little Pieces read in the show contains mentions and brief descriptions of miscarriage. If you are sensitive to these themes, please protect your mental health and check out our previous episode with Patrice Gopo: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62rhja8XUzNJXdN9B5JUW5?si=0537126849d04acd Enjoy!  Carmen’s books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepodDue to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today’s episode, Patrice Gopo comes to the table with tender wisdom and advice for those looking to break into the creative non-fiction space. As an essayist, Patrice often returns to themes of race, immigration, identity formation, and belonging within her writing. Her essay collection, All the Colors We Will See, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and her debut picture book, All the Places We Call Home, was inspired by one of the essays in her collection. Listen in to hear how she discovered the art of the personal essay, tips she has for aspiring personal essayists, the difference between a school essay and a creative non-fiction essay, the process of writing her children’s book, and why sometimes it can feel like we’re telling the same stories over and over again. Enjoy! Patrice's books  can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepodDue to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today’s episode, Ashley Mays sits down with Tara and Bekah about her clean YA novel The Great Date Experiment. She is now a creativity connoisseur, nature nerd, and ardent fan of all things peanut butter. Ashley and her husband live in the Southeast United States where they enjoy stargazing, exploring local parks, and humidity. Listen as they discuss Ashley’s heart for teens—specifically teen girls—her unique ability to taste(?) names, and her journey from being surrounded by books to writing them. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1Ashley's book can be ordered from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org storefront (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/shop/thehopeprosepod

In today’s episode, Bekah and Tara sit down with bestselling author and Instagram powerhouse, Melissa Ferguson to chat about her latest novel Meet Me in the Margins. Currently, she makes Tennessee her home, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Listen in as they chat about her humble beginnings, how the Twilight series inspired her to start writing, the key to building a successful social media presence as an author, and some of the true stories behind the story of Meet Me in the Margins. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today’s episode of Hope Prose, debut author Zoulfa Katouh joins Rebekah and Tara to talk about all things AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW (forthcoming September 13th, 2022). Zoulfa is a Syrian-Canadian based in Switzerland and currently pursuing her master's in Drug Sciences. She finds Studio Ghibli inspiration in the mountains, lakes, and stars surrounding her and will tell anyone who will listen that BTS paved the way.Listen as they have a heartfelt discussion about her debut, PTSD representation in literature,  her journey from the draft on her computer to a published novel, and her Syrian culture. Oh, and tears. Lots of tears. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Zoulfa’s book AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW can be pre-ordered from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9780316351379

Before our season four begins, here's part two of our interview with Ann Kroeker to tide you over until September! Ann Kroeker, a writing coach leveraging twenty-five years of publishing and editing experience, author, speaker, and host of the podcast, “Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach”.  Together with her Belgian-born husband, she has four adult children busy pursuing their own creative lives and be it at work or play, she strives to live a life full of wonder and curiosity…Oh, and drink lots of tea!  Listen as she talks about her favorite aspects of being a writing coach, why she decided to become one, the difference between a writing coach and a book coach, marketing, and how to make connections as an introvert.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Bekah sit down with the amazing Kristy Cambron, an award-winning, best-selling author turned literary agent. A self-proclaimed history nerd, she loves to chase all things research like going behind the scenes at a Ringling Bros. Sarasota mansion. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and spent 15 yrs in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling and championing her clients.  Listen as she talks to us about the place where literature and art intersect, what inspired the idea for her latest book The Italian Ballerina, tackling dual timelines, what agenting has taught her about her own writing journey, and what she’s looking to acquire.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Bekah sit down with Ann Kroeker, a writing coach leveraging twenty-five years of publishing and editing experience, author, speaker, and host of the podcast, “Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach”.  Together with her Belgian-born husband, she has four adult children busy pursuing their own creative lives and be it at work or play, she strives to live a life full of wonder and curiosity…Oh, and drink lots of tea!  Listen as she talks about her favorite aspects of being a writing coach, why she decided to become one, the difference between a writing coach and a book coach, marketing, and how to make connections as an introvert.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Sara Ella stops by the show and enchants us with her wisdom and humble spirit…oh, and of course talk about her newest book, THE WONDERLAND TRIALS (releasing from Enclave Publishing July 12th)!When she was younger, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a Disney prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Listen as we talk about all things fairytales, the inspiration behind the games in THE WONDERLAND TRIALS, the importance of a writing community, and crafting life-like characters who have you rooting for them until the end. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, Tara and Rebekah welcome author extraordinaire Christopher Paolini to the show. Christopher is the creator of the World of Eragon and the Fractalverse,  holder of the Guinness World Record for the youngest author of a bestselling series, and qualified for marksman in the Australian army. Listen as they chat about his foray into the adult side of fiction with his sci-fi novel, To Sleep In A Sea of Stars, the first book in the Fractalverse series, his journey from being a bestselling teen author to now, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This an episode you won’t want to miss.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today’s episode, Tessa Van Wade stops by to talk to Rebekah and Tara about OUT OF THE SHADOWS, the first installment in her The Velieri Uprising series. She currently makes Hawaii her home, and when she’s not being a mom of two or writing, she runs a boutique gym and pilates studio. OUT OF THE SHADOWS is her first book. Listen in as she discusses her unconventional path to publishing, her background in acting and producing, her podcast The Tessa Van Wade Show, and what she hopes readers take away from her books. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

Today on Hope Prose, we’re switching things up a bit and instead of an author, you’re going to be hearing from someone who champions their books and gets them published. Our guest today is none other than literary extraordinaire himself, Don Pape! Former publisher-turned literary agent.  Listen as Don takes us behind the scenes of agent life and explains what he thinks makes a good story, query, and what he’s looking to represent as an agent. Also, he lets us in on some trends in publishing right now and gives his best advice for those looking to query soon.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links and resources on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 →  Connect with Don on his  website or on Instagram 

Today on Hope Prose, Ashley Bustamante stops by to chat with Tara and Rebekah about her debut novel, VIVID forthcoming from Enclave in May of 2022. Ashley, hailing from Arizona, has been writing for as long as she can remember and strives to create stories that bring people together and offer positive messages of encouragement to her readers. Listen in as Ashely talks about her unorthodox foray into publishing, where her idea for a color-based magic system originated, imposter syndrome, all things VIVID, and her advice for writer’s looking to get traditionally published. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 / Ashley’s book VIVID can be pre-ordered and purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781621842309 

In today’s episode, Katherine Reay, a national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels, stops by to talk to Rebekah and Tara about her wildly successful novel THE LONDON HOUSE.  Listen as they chat about her first foray into historical fiction, the research she conducted for the story, her love of the classics, and why food plays an important role in her novels. HINT: Jane Austen may have something to do with it. Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In this episode, Rebekah and Tara sit down with the marvelous Nova Mcbee, a Seattle native and helpless nomad and culture nerd who has lived nearly half her life in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. However, you may know her as the brains behind the popular Calculated Series---including Calculated, Simulated, and soon Activated! Listen in as she talks about her time as a PitchWars Mentor, the extensive research behind the Calculated Series, and what it was like to write a math prodigy as someone not so mathy herself. She also gives us a sneak-peek into the upcoming film news for Calculated and enlightens us on what the most daring thing she’s done is.  Enjoy!  Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 Nova’s book CALCULATED and the rest of the series can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at:  https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781953944504 

In today’s episode, Tara and Rebekah discuss the nitty-gritty of social media with Danielle Wilkinson, an aspiring author from Atlanta and Instagram coach for authors. Listen in as they tackle issues such as how to choose what platform to be on, what strategies to employ if you want to grow your audience, what mistakes you might be making, and so, so much more! If you are an author or aspiring author just trying to figure out how to gain exposure and connect with your audience, then this episode is for you. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1

In today’s episode of Hope Prose, author Lillie Lainoff joins Rebekah and Tara to talk about her debut novel ONE FOR ALL (forthcoming March 8th, 2022). Lillie’s novel is close to Rebekah’s heart as it deals with Chronic illness, female friendships, loving yourself, and swords. Lots and lots of swords! Listen as they gab about Lillie’s journey to publication, her sports career as a fencer, and why it’s important that more books with disability representation get the visibility they deserve. Enjoy! Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 ~  Lillie’s book ONE FOR ALL can be pre-ordered from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9780374314613

In today’s episode of Hope Prose, the amazing Jeff Zentner, award-winning and critically acclaimed author of IN THE WILD LIGHT, and special guest Sarina White,  join Rebekah in studio to talk about all things IN THE WILD LIGHT and writing. Listen in for a heartfelt discussion about poetry, writing well-rounded characters, why misfit friendships make several appearances within his work, and how he handles pressure as a multi-award-winning and nominated author. PLUS! Hear his best advice for authors when dealing with criticism and enabling the five senses to create an atmospheric setting for your reader to escape into. Due to character limitations, please find a full version of our show notes and links on our website at: https://www.tarakross.com/podcast-1 ~  Jeff’s book IN THE WILD LIGHT, as well as all his others, can be purchased from your local independent bookstore or online from the Hope Prose Podcast bookshop.org store (benefiting indie bookstores) at: https://bookshop.org/a/56741/9781524720247