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Desideratum

Desideratum

By Theresa Bakken

A desideratum is an essential thing. This pod celebrates storytelling as essential. Join Emmy Award winning journalist Theresa Bakken for scenes from intriguing audiobooks and in depth (no spoiler) conversations with the authors and narrators making waves in today's audiobook world.
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Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Ep55

DesideratumJul 15, 2022

00:00
28:00
Across Seward Park with Gail Lehrman
Feb 22, 202429:34
Emergency Contact with Lauren Layne and Anthony LeDonne
Feb 15, 202436:31
The First Bright Thing with JR Dawson and Petrea Burchard

The First Bright Thing with JR Dawson and Petrea Burchard

This is a mystical story about a magical circus.  Not the kind of magic that involves pulling rabbits out of hats, but the kind where individuals' inner talents manifest into genuine magical abilities—known as sparks. These sparks choose to use their gifts not for conquest but to inspire and bring joy to those who need it most. But, this story is not all whimsy and light. This historical fantasy takes place in the hopeful but ominous years between World War 1 and World War 2.  We’re talking about the audiobook for The First Bright Thing with narrator Petrea Burchard and author JR Dawson.

You’re going to hear author JR Dawson (Jen) open up about her personal experiences with theater, which served as an outlet for her creativity and weirdness. She speaks passionately about how theater education validates and how it influenced her characters and setting in this debut novel.

You'll also hear from narrator Petrea Burchard about her performance and how she connected to this magical story. She and Jen both gush about her co-narrator's (Tim Campbell) performance too. You'll hear a clip from Tim voicing the dark Circus King.


Thanks to all the fine folks at Tor Publishing Group including producer Steve Wagner for sharing the spellbinding clips and for bringing The First Bright Thing audiobook to life. I hope you’ll want to listen to the rest of the story wherever you get your audiobooks. When you buy your audiobook from libro.fm you can can chose a local book store to support and when you follow this affiliate link you also support this pod.

I also want to sincerely thank this episode’s sponsor Pozotron. Pozotron provides fantastic services for audio artists and producers like me. I use Pozotron for prepping and proofing the audiobooks I narrate. I use exactly what I need each month through their subscription service. You can sign up for a free demo of all they offer at pozotron.com


Feb 08, 202434:38
The Duke in Question

The Duke in Question


This is a story about a woman using all her abilities to complete a spy mission and also get exactly what she wants.
We’re talking to Helen Day about the sexy and determined characters she narrated as Hedra Knight for the Regency Romance The Duke in Question by Amalie Howard. I loved learning how Helen physically gets into character, how she performed so many different action and spicy scenes, and how performing world tours with Cirque du Soleil was part of her storytelling journey. Thanks to Dreamscape Media you’ll hear several fun moments from the audiobook.
I want to thank the Colorado Sun for shining their light on author Amalie Howard’s work. I listen to the Daily Sun Up podcast and on Sundays I check out the SunLit features on authors put together by editor Kevin Simpson. You can check it out at
coloradosun.org or look for the Daily Sun Up wherever you found this podcast. The Duke in Question was a Colorado Book Award finalist in the Romance category. I love that Colorado Humanities celebrates storytellers in my home state. You can find the winners and finalists in all the genre categories at coloradohumanities.org.
A big thank you to author Amalie Howard, narrator Helen Day reading as Hedra Knight, and all the fine folks at Dreamscape Media for bringing The Duke in Question audiobook to life and sponsoring this episode. Dreamscape Media’s catalog includes bestselling audiobooks, children’s educational videos, prominent independent authors, and much much more They strive to publish and distribute titles that both inspire and entertain listeners, readers, and viewers around the world. I’m honored that they support this podcast and I hope you’ll connect with them. Visit them at dreamscapepublishing.com to sign up for their weekly newsletter that has audiobook news, deals and giveaways. As always, thank you for listening.

coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/

coloradosun.com/sunlit/

www.dreamscapepublishing.com/
www.instagram.com/littlebird7/?hl=en
amaliehoward.com/
Oct 19, 202338:21
The Wrong Woman with Leanne Kale Sparks and Erin deWard

The Wrong Woman with Leanne Kale Sparks and Erin deWard


This is a thriller. It’s the story of an FBI agent and a homicide detective working together to catch a serial killer with a chilling perspective on killing.

You'll hear narrator Erin deWard bringing all the chills and characters to life in your ear. We'll talk about why and how she does it, and you'll hear author Leanne Kale Sparks talk about how she maps out and finds the 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' in her crime stories.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media you’ll hear several tense moments from the audiobook. Dreamscape is an independent, award winning audiobook publisher. I’m honored that they support this podcast and I hope you’ll visit them at dreamscapepublishing.com where you can sign up for a weekly newsletter that has audiobook deals and giveaways.      

Thanks to The Colorado Sun for shining their light on Leanne Kale Sparks work. I listen to the Daily Sun Up podcast and on Sundays I check out the SunLit features on authors put together by editor Kevin Simpson. Check it out at coloradosun.org and look for the Daily Sun Up wherever you found this podcast.

The Wrong Woman won the Colorado book award in the thriller category. I love that Colorado Humanities celebrates storytellers in my home state. You can find the winners and finalists in all the genre categories at coloradohumanities.org. 

A big thank you to author Leanne Kale Sparks, narrator Erin deWard, audiobook Producer Erick Black and all the fine folks at Dreamscape media for bringing The Wrong Woman audiobook to life and sponsoring this episode. Dreamscape Media’s catalog includes bestselling audiobooks, children’s educational videos, prominent independent authors, and much much more.  I connected with author Leanne Kale Sparks through Kim Weiss at PR by the Book. You'll find links for all these great folks below.

As always, thank you for listening.


https://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/

Colorado Humanities home of the Colorado Book Award

https://www.erindeward.com/

Erin deWard

https://www.leannekalesparks.com/

Leanne Kale Sparks

https://coloradosun.com/sunlit/

The Colorado Sun

https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/

Dreamscape Media





Oct 12, 202341:35
An American Beauty with Shana Abè
Oct 06, 202323:34
Double the Lies with Patricia Raybon
Sep 29, 202335:49
Cheap Land Colorado with Ted Conover

Cheap Land Colorado with Ted Conover

This is a real life story set in a vast land, the San Luis Valley of Colorado. It’s a huge flat prairie flanked by mountains, and it's far off the beaten path. Author Ted Conover takes us there in this Desideratum.

A desideratum is an essential thing and this story got me thinking about lots of essential things - like wide open spaces, what to do with a rattlesnake, the peace you find in silence, and the need for connection.

Ted Conover is perhaps best known for spending a year as a prison guard at the maximum security prison Sing Sing in New York. The book he wrote about that experience was called Newjack and it earned a National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and made Ted a Pulitzer Prize Finalist. His work expands and deepens what we think of as Journalism.  He submerges himself in often uncomfortable situations and then takes readers along with him.

Today we’re talking about his latest immersive experience and book called Cheap Land Colorado. In his observation of small details side by side with his big picture perspectives, he paints a very complete picture with his own voice as narrator in your ear.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Ted Conover as much as I have. I want to thank The Colorado Sun for shining their light on Ted’s work. I listen to the Sun's podcast called The Daily Sun-Up, and every Sunday I check out their SunLit feature for author spotlights. Sunlit editor Kevin Simpson often talks to authors on The Daily Sun-ups Friday podcast. Check it out at coloradosun.com or wherever you're listening to this podcast. 

Ted will be in Denver for the Colorado Sun’s SunFest ideas conference. Here's a link for tickets: https://coloradosun.com/sunfest/

And here's a link to the La Puente organization Ted volunteers with so you find out more about the good work they do. https://lapuentehome.org/

One more big thank you to the audio publisher Random House Audio for the excerpt from Cheap Land Colorado.  And, as always, thank you for listening. 



Sep 22, 202350:31
A Light in the Forest with Melissa Payne

A Light in the Forest with Melissa Payne

This is a story about a young woman running away and finding her home. It begins with the moment she decides to run, when she faces a painful truth about her boyfriend. 

We’re talking about A LIGHT IN THE FOREST - a Colorado Book Award Finalist - on this Desideratum.

A Desideratum is an essential thing. I’m audiobook narrator Theresa Bakken and I think this story is full of essential things.  This week we’re talking about being a work in progress with author Melissa Payne whose new novel A Light in the Forest got us talking about small towns, and pigs, and intuition.

I want to thank the Colorado Sun for shining their light on Melissa, I listen to the Sun's podcast called The Daily Sun-Up.. It's a great way to start your day if you’re curious about Colorado culture, history,  news of all kinds delivered to your ears. Then every Sunday I check out the SunLit feature at coloradosun.com for author spotlights and local independent bookstore recommendations. SunLit editor Kevin Simpson often talks to authors on The Daily Sun-up's Friday podcasts. Check it out at coloradosun.com or wherever your'e listening to this podcast. 

Also - a big thank you to the author Melissa Payne, the talented and authentic voice of narrator Kay Eluvian, the audiobook publisher Brilliance audio, and the audiobook production team at Deyan audio Devon Hammond and Yanni Caldas for their work on A Light in the Forest. And, as always thank you for listening. 


https://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/


https://www.melissapayneauthor.com/

author Melissa Payne's website link


https://www.kayeluvian.com/audiobooks/

narrator Kay Eluvian's website link


https://coloradosun.com/category/sunlit/sunlit-interviews/

a Link to the Colorado Sun website's SunLit page

Sep 14, 202331:29
Leigh Howard, the Ghosts, and Shawn Warner
Sep 05, 202333:20
A historical and timely story, Linda Rosen's The Emerald Necklace
Aug 29, 202315:32
Camelot & Vine, slipping through time with Petrea Burchard

Camelot & Vine, slipping through time with Petrea Burchard

This is a story about a woman who slips through time..  

It's the day before Casey's 40th birthday, and her acting career and personal life are a disaster. Frantic to escape her own emptiness, she hops a plane to England and heads to the countryside to hide.

That’s when a lightning strike, a skidding car and a horse that might be magical send her through a gap in time to the Dark Ages.

We’re talking to author and narrator Petrea Burchard about her historical fantasy Camelot & Vine.

 A big thank you to this episode’s sponsor Pozotron. I use Pozotron in my audiobook prep and proofing process to save time and ensure accuracy..  Their AI powered software suite cuts hours from the audiobook, voiceover and any scripted audio production process. You can sign up for a free demo of all they offer at pozotron.com.

Before her audiobook narration work won her an Earphones Award, Petrea had a diverse acting career in film, television and theater. She is best known for voicing the powerful and hilarious space pirate Ryoko Hakubi in the english language version of the 90's Japanese anime series “Tenchi Muyo!”. You can find all her current projects in the audiobook world and other fun facts at Petreaburchard.com

I hope you enjoyed spending some time with Petrea Burchard as much as I did. I hope you’ll listen to the rest of her audiobook Camelot & Vine. If you follow the affiliate link to Libro.fm when you purchase the audiobook you are also supporting this podcast. 




Aug 27, 202315:53
The Writing Retreat with Julia Bartz

The Writing Retreat with Julia Bartz

This is a story about a struggling writer who gets invited to a writing retreat. She's thrilled because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity with a famous horror novelist. The retreat takes place at a remote estate, where even the house has a dark and storied past. We’re talking about the NY Times bestseller The Writing Retreat, with author, therapist and creative coach Julia Bartz.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for providing the foreboding moments from the audiobook narrated by the wonderful and award winning Gail Shalan. https://www.gailshalan.com/

To hear the rest of the story, you can purchase the audiobook and support this podcast by following this link to Libro.fm where you can also select a local book store to benefit from your purchase.

Thanks to episode sponsor Pozotron. Here's a ⁠link⁠ to get a free demo of all the great ways they help audio storytellers.

And finally, here's a link to connect to Julia's latest news. https://www.juliabartz.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please interact in some way with the podcast - like, share, follow, subscribe, leave a review - wherever you listen.

Thanks!




Aug 18, 202333:39
What Remains with Wendy Walker

What Remains with Wendy Walker

This is a story about a detective, a cold case forensics expert named Elise. But this isn’t just a cold case, crime solving detective story. This story begins with our detective caught in the middle of an active crime scene. She fires her weapon for the first time. She takes a man’s life to save another man. Then, the saved man disappears from the scene, and Elise is drawn to him looking for answers. What she finds when this man enters her life is a very dangerous game.   We’re talking about Wendy Walker’s new thriller What Remains.  You’ll hear how excited Wendy gets talking about the science of memory and the psychology of trauma recovery. I love how she balances the characters' back stories and psychology with the urgent, nail biting suspense of the plot. We also talk about how her narrators Gabra Zackman and Peter Ganim dramatically and subtly delivered the clues in the audiobook for What Remains. Supporting this episode with Wendy walker is BlackStone publishing. Blackstone is providing a discount code to listeners for 50% off the audiobook for What Remains. Another big thank you to Pozotron. They are a subscription service for audio storytellers like me. I use their audiobook prep and proofing tools, and their features for collaboration - which make working together on a project seamless, efficient and fun. You can sign up for a free demo of their system at https://www.pozotron.com/ Here is the code from Blackstone Publishing for a discounted listen. Go to https://www.downpour.com/ select the audiobook What Remains by Wendy Walker, click 'buy now' and apply the promo code BLACKSTONE50 for fifty percent off the audiobook. Thanks again to Blackstone, Pozotron and Wendy Walker for making this episode possible. I’m Theresa Bakken. Thank you for listening


Aug 11, 202343:13
Madness at the Movies with Golden Voice Narrator Grover Gardner

Madness at the Movies with Golden Voice Narrator Grover Gardner

Jun 30, 202335:19
Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca with narrator Andrè Santana

Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca with narrator Andrè Santana

This is a scary story. A classic horror story - with a haunted house, a monster, and unflinching violence. But, there’s something else here too…  we’re talking about Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca with narrator Andrè Santana.  This episode is sponsored by Dreamscape Media, an independent award-winning audiobook publisher. Dreamscape produces a wide range of titles from motivational self help to mysteries, thrillers and happily ever afters. This title is in the horror genre, but Andrè and I take good care of the listener in our conversation and we stay away from spoilers and triggers. I am excited for you to hear some of Andrè's narration - it's chilling. And, I loved hearing about his storytelling process and how he ended up in a box talking into a microphone. His exceptional narration work earned him a 2023 Audie Finalist. He is easy to connect with on social media and on his website Andreonthemic.com Please look for his work in many genres including the book we featured, Everything the Darkness Eats written by Eric LaRocca (a Bram Stoker Award nominated and Splatterpunk Award-winning Author). You can find more of Eric's scary stories on his website. Thanks again to Dreamscape and thank you for listening.

https://www.andreonthemic.com/ https://ericlarocca.com/ https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/


Jun 14, 202333:17
Kantika by Elizabeth Graver, narrated by Gail Shalan
Jun 10, 202334:00
The Good Time Girls, Wild-Willed Women of The West by KT Blakemore
Jun 01, 202324:34
The Confidante, The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, by Christopher C. Gorham

The Confidante, The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, by Christopher C. Gorham

This is a story about a remarkable woman. She was trusted by American presidents and generals. Her impact on our nation can still be felt today. But, you’ve probably never heard of her, and you might never have if not for a high school history teacher.
We’re talking about the first biography written about the incredible Anna Marie Rosenberg (appropriately titled The Confidante) by teacher and debut author Christopher C. Gorham on this Desideratum.
Narrator Ann Richardson shines in non-fiction work like this. She’s won several Audiofile Earphone awards for her work.
I hope you enjoyed hearing Christopher talk about Anna Marie as much as I did.
You can hear the rest of the audiobook, narrated by Ann Richardson at
Libro.fm . Following the Libro.fm affiliate link supports this podcast.
You can also use the podcast’s discount code DP20 to save 20 percent off your whole purchase on the publisher's website. I always learn something new from Kensington authors. Thanks to Ann Pryor at Kensington for connecting me to Christopher. Thanks to Tantor Audio for the moments from the audiobook. And, a special thank you to Pozotron for sponsoring this episode. Please reach out to me or visit the Pozotron website for more about how they help audio storytellers.
As always, thank you for listening.

affiliate link to Libro.fm
www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806542003/the-confidante/
www.christophercgorham.com/the-confidante
www.pozotron.com/

May 26, 202340:54
In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari narrated by Mozhan Marnò

In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari narrated by Mozhan Marnò

This is a story about a family.  It is a close up look at a father and daughter, at two sisters, at a husband and wife. But, it’s also this huge story about tradition and patriarchy and freedom. It felt like poetry to me at times.. and this conversation about it was so rich. We’re talking about In the Time of our History with author Susanne Pari on this Desideratum. 

The narrator Mozhan Marnò is an Iranian-American film and television actress and a playwright. She speaks English, French, German, Farsi, and Spanish.  She is known for her roles in The Blacklist, House of Cards, and Fleishman is in Trouble.  She is also the voice of Mirabelle and Namira in the video game Elder Scrolls- Skyrim. This audiobook scene you'll hear is from the beginning of In The Time of Our History, written by Susanne Pari, and produced by Highbridge, a division of Recorded Books. 

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Susanne Pari as much as I did. You can hear the rest of the audiobook and support this podcast and a local book store of your choice by following this affiliate link⁠ to Libro.fm You can also use the podcast’s discount code DP20 on the publisher's website kensingtonbooks.com to save 20 percent on this book and the whole Kensington library.  I always find entertaining and enlightening reads at Kensington, and I like that going into their 5th decade of publishing, they are still a multigenerational family led business. Thanks to Ann Pryor at Kensington for connecting me to Susanne, and thank you for listening.


May 19, 202344:58
Marriage : From the Feminine Perspective, Ten Classic Stories curated, annotated, and narrated by Christine Mascott
May 12, 202332:14
The View From Half Dome by Jill Caugherty narrated by Theresa Bakken
May 05, 202325:59
Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton narrated by Pete Cross

Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton narrated by Pete Cross

This is a story about a young boy named Philbet. He’s growing up in the deep south in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. He loves cars and his grandaddy’s garden and an older boy named Knox.  In this story, you see how Philbet hides himself and then finds himself. We’re talking about Red Clay Suzie, a fictionalized memoir written by Jeffrey Dale Lofton. Lofton is a natural storyteller and not just on the page. His voice has a timbre and a rhythm and accent that draws you in, and I felt like instead of asking questions, I just kept saying some version of 'tell me a story' and he would. We begin with him telling the story behind the story of his debut novel. Another great voice connected to Red Clay Suzie is the audiobook narrator Pete Cross - who Jeffrey was a big fan of and was so excited when he auditioned. Pete’s work has been recognized with a SOVAS, an Odyssey Award and an Audie. He’s a talented storyteller and I’m so grateful to Blackstone Publishing for sharing this scene with us. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Jeffrey as much as I did. Thanks again to the sponsor for this episode - Pozotron - and of course thank you for being here thanks for listening. Sponsor: https://www.pozotron.com/ Narrator: https://petecrossvo.com/ Author: https://www.jeffreydlofton.com/

Red Clay Suzie Audiobook

https://www.audible.com/pd/Red-Clay-Suzie-Audiobook/B0BFC47JJY?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Organizations mentioned by the author: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/strategic-plan/https://bornthisway.foundation/

Books mentioned by the author:

To Kill a Mockingbird https://www.audible.com/pd/To-Kill-a-Mockingbird-Audiobook/B00K1HQVOQ?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Call Me by Your Name https://www.audible.com/pd/Call-Me-by-Your-Name-Audiobook/B071H4FK2Y?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Episode transcript and timestamps: https://otter.ai/u/EKPT8WfipuqHekgveT7zKI1L7nE?utm_source=copy_url


Apr 27, 202330:24
The Perfect Neighborhood with Liz Alterman

The Perfect Neighborhood with Liz Alterman

This is a story set in what looks like a perfect neighborhood -  rocking chairs on covered porches, manicured lawns and families looking out for each other.   But in this story,  the illusion of perfect families and close friendships fractures when a child goes missing.  We’re talking about the novel The Perfect Neighborhood with author Liz Alterman.  Liz made me laugh and think deeply. I loved her perspectives on rejection and serendipity.  The scene you will hear from the audiobook is from one of my favorite narrators - Gail Shalan. The novel's suspense unfolds through five key perspectives, and the audiobook features five fantastic narrators. The audiobook was produced by Dreamscape.

I want to thank Dreamscape for sponsoring this episode.  They are an independent, award winning audiobook publisher that produces a wide range of titles, including everything from motivational self-help to suspenseful mysteries like The Perfect Neighborhood. Their goal is to provide the best and most high-quality audiobooks to listeners everywhere. They would love to connect, so please visit them at dreamscapepublishing.com, where you can sign up for their weekly newsletter that has audiobook news, deals, and updates on their regular audiobook giveaways. You can also visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Find more of Liz Alterman's storytelling here: https://www.lizalterman.com/ And, for more from the audiobook publisher Dreamscape visit: Website: https://dreamscapepublishing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamscapeAudio Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dreamscapeaudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape_media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dreamscape_media


Apr 21, 202331:45
Death by a Honeybee to Death by Greed, the Josiah Reynolds Series with author Abigail Keam

Death by a Honeybee to Death by Greed, the Josiah Reynolds Series with author Abigail Keam

This is a story set firmly in Kentucky bluegrass - a story swirling around a retired history professor who finds herself in one murder mystery after another. We’re talking with the author of the Josiah Reynolds cozy mystery series Abigail Keam, and we begin our conversation with something she has in common with her main character… beekeeping.  

While Death By Greed (Book 18 in the series) just released, you are going to hear the very beginning, the very first scene. We’re going back to book 1 page 1 - and there will be bees in this reading from Death by a Honeybee.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Abigail - hearing about her bees and her characters. You can find her active on all social media platforms as @abigailkeamauthor. I first met her through @wellreadmagazine. Thanks to Mandy Haynes for shining her light on new-to-me authors. And, as always, thank YOU for listening.



Apr 14, 202328:00
Code Gray narrated by Champ Westwood
Apr 07, 202330:57
Narrator by Landon Beach performed by Scott Brick
Mar 24, 202324:43
Gradle Bird by J.C. Sasser

Gradle Bird by J.C. Sasser

(00:00) Introduction with scratchy recording from a lone singer who inspired the novel Gradle Bird by JC Sasser

(02:52) Oral storytelling and walking around with a tape recorder gathering stories

(04:18) Setting in small town feels timeless 

(05:35) Rooted in reality to distill the truth looking back on life experiences using fiction

(07:00) Abandoned structures sparked imagination starting in childhood with her father who was paralyzed taking her to a pig slaughterhouse

(09:34) Audiobook introduction of scene with a confrontation 

(10:17) Audiobook excerpt from Gradle Bird by JC Sasser

(20:38) Human cruelty themes balanced with themes of love 

(22:18) Siamese fighting fish as a betting game in the story the beauty of frailty and fierceness 

(24:39) Moonflowers thrive in darkness but only live one day and they are deadly toxic to people which is a key to the story

(26:45) Ghost in the novel and from Sasser's childhood she loves to be haunted

(29:30) Musician in the novel based on a real person who struggled with mental illness who befriended the author when she was a young girl

(33:42) He was a real true friend who was taunted and ridiculed and harassed and she imagined in this fiction dire consequences that could have come from his mistreatment

(35:55) There's a quote from Corinthians scripture that underpins the whole novels message and how it looks at guilt and forgiveness 

(39:20) Conclusion what is essential for JC Sasser 


This is a story that begins with a lone singer recording original songs on cassette tapes for the author a long time ago. She remembers listening using the tape deck in her mama’s white Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme out at the edge of town where abandoned things and the music made her wonder. We’re talking with author J.C. Sasser (Jana) about her novel Gradle Bird on this Desideratum. Jana's southern tale has an incredible cast of characters .The title character is a 16 year old girl named Gradle being raised by her Grandpa. Then, there's a teenage boy named Sonny Joe who is a Siamese Fighting Fish aficionado. And there's Delvis Miles, a professional dumpster diver and a genius musician, whose mental health makes him both fragile and fierce.  But we start our conversation with Jana herself, because she’s as intriguing as any of her characters. Throughout this novel there are three characters who commit serious crimes with dire consequences that haunt them.  You’re going to hear a scene near the beginning of the book, that starts in a grocery store with a confrontation and gives you some history for one of the characters.   Thank you to Jana for sharing her recording of the real Evans Miles singing When the Whippoorwills Holler at Night for this episode. Thank you to the Pat Conroy Literary Center for shining a light on Sasser's storytelling.  And, as always, thank you for listening. Here are links to learn more about J.C. Sasser https://www.jcsasser.com/  and the Pat Conroy Literary Center  https://patconroyliterarycenter.org/

Feb 17, 202343:22
Such A Pretty Girl with T. Greenwood

Such A Pretty Girl with T. Greenwood

(00:00) Introduction this is Such A Pretty Girl by T Greenwood

(02:15) Words are powerful and 1970's advertising cringe 

(04:52) Me too movement lens and two time lines give characters a reason to revisit their past 

(06:42) Child narrator storytelling give out of the mouth of babes moments

(08:27) Desire for something right out of reach and key to all stories is  

(10:51) Settings with danger children always need to be kept safe

(12:57) Anxiety and panic language and what soothes these feelings

(15:13) Photographers and taking or making an image 

(17:12) Art has context and changes over time and characters with grounded moral compass are critical to this story

(18:15) Audiobook excerpt introduction about Mara Wilson

(19:15) Audiobook excerpt narrated by Mara Wilson

(24:44) Predatory paparazzi thievery of image is allegory for losing agency over our bodies 

(27:04) Book is about complicity and women and betrayal 

(29:52) Mother Daughter relationships 

(31:43) French connection 

(32:39) Westbeth artists residence in NYC and historical fiction research serendipity and magic

(38:09) Conclusion what is essential to Tammy Greenwood 


This is a story set in NYC. It centers on a controversial photo taken of a young girl in 1977. Author Tammy (T) Greenwood tells the story through the eyes of this child model and actress who’s all grown up today with a daughter of her own. There is a striking generational mother daughter story here too, so that’s where we begin talking about the novel Such a Pretty Girl.

You'll hear an excerpt from the audiobook set in the Westbeth artist community in NY (which was a real place we’ll talk more about).  In the section of the audiobook we are featuring, you’re with the main character Ryan when she’s a child. And, your guide is narrator Mara Wilson - who herself is known for film acting rolls from her childhood. She was Natalie in Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993, and she played the lead role in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda in 1996. Today she is a stage actress, a voice artist, a writer, and a playwright.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Tammy and talking about the '70's and motherhood and art as much as I did.  I hope you got lost in Mara Wilson’s narration - that hearing a few minutes of the audiobook for Such a Pretty Girl produced by Tantor left you wanting more.  

Thanks to Kensington Press for making this episode possible. 

Kensington generously provides Desideratum listeners the discount code DP20 to save 20 percent across their incredible library - you just enter DP20 at checkout at Kensingtonbooks.com

Also, please check out Libro.fm to find Such A Pretty Girl narrated by Mara Wilson. Using this affiliate link to Libro.fm supports this podcast and a local book store of your choice. 

You can find more about T. Greenwood’s other novels on her website: https://www.tgreenwood.com/

As always, thank you for listening.

Feb 03, 202341:50
Folly Park by Heidi Hackford E66
Nov 18, 202227:44
Beasts of the Earth by James Wade E65
Nov 11, 202234:45
Double Exposure with Jeannée Sacken and Nicole Swanson - E64
Nov 04, 202247:43
Improbably Yours by Kerry Anne King

Improbably Yours by Kerry Anne King

This is a story that author Kerry Anne King says began with a house: a house that won't stay painted, whose shingles won't stay on, and the lawn won't stay mowed. It's in a constant state of falling apart. Like it's grieving, or possessed by ghosts.
Kerry's new novel IMPROBABLY YOURS is her 13th, and it does have some spooky elements. But, it's also an adventure complete with a real treasure map. It begins with a memory, a young girl sitting with her grandmother who speaks in fortune teller fashion about a prediction for the little girl's future. You'll hear that scene from the audiobook. And, you'll hear how Kerry plays with the idea of hidden treasure and what's hidden below the surface.
Brilliance audio produced IMPROBABLY YOURS in a dual narrator format. So, when you hear about Blythe it’s audiobook actress Terri Clark Linden - an earphones award winning narrator who’s performed some of Kerry’s other books. And, when you hear about the other main character - Flynn the Viking - the narrator is Aaron Shedlock who is a rising star in the world of audiobooks.
Thanks to Kerry for her openness and good humor. And to her publisher Lake Union and the audiobook publisher Brilliance Audio for the excerpt you hear in this episode.
Find out what other books these narrators perform (Teri Clark Linden , Aaron Shedlock ). And, check out the fun Kerry creates for her readers on her website. I’d love to know what you think about Improbably Yours. Reach out anytime!
Thanks for listening.
Oct 14, 202224:35
9 Days - A Dee Rommel Mystery by Jule Selbo
Oct 07, 202232:29
The Deception by Kim Taylor Blakemore
Sep 30, 202233:45
Slade by Robert Grindstaff, Ep60
Sep 23, 202223:10
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook - Ellen Marie Wiseman, Ep59

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook - Ellen Marie Wiseman, Ep59

Ellen Marie Wiseman is drawn to the dark corners of history, where rumors and mystery shroud the truth. It's where she finds and develops characters who shine. Listen as she shares how her own history led her to write about hidden truths and social injustices.  We're talking about her new novel, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook, which is set in a real state run institution exposed back in 1972 for its atrocious abuses.  Ellen opens the novel with quotes from a real doctor who was there in 1972.  Dr. William Bronston's physician activism helped bring an end to the institution. He is joining Ellen for some of her book launch events.  You'll hear him describe how Ellen's storytelling takes him back in time, and you'll listen to a few minutes from the chapter of the audiobook that Dr. Bronston says affected him most profoundly. 

Thanks to Vida at Kensington Books for connecting me to Ellen and Dr. Bronston.  Kensington generously provides Desideratum listeners the discount code DP20 to save 20 percent across their incredible library. You just enter DP20 at checkout at Kensingtonbooks.com

Check out Libro.fm to find The Lost Girls of Willowbrook audiobook narrated by Morgan Hallett. Using the affiliate link to Libro.fm supports this podcast and a local book store of your choice. 

You can find more about the heartbreak and hope in all of Ellen’s fictions on her website. https://ellenmariewiseman.com/ 

You can get a copy of Dr. William Bronston’s book Public Hostage Public Ransom on his website. https://www.publichostagepublicransom.org/

Sep 17, 202226:30
Orchid Blooming with Carol Van Den Hende - Episode 58
Sep 09, 202225:59
Hannah and Ariela by Johnnie Bernhard Ep57
Aug 12, 202222:10
Brand Chaser by Randi Samuelson Brown, Ep56
Jul 22, 202217:13
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Ep55

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Ep55

Author and narrator Travis Baldree has created an escapist fantasy that  - as the first line promises -  is "for anyone who wondered where the other road led."  It's the story of a fabled artifact (a stone that promises a ring of fortune) and an Orc named Viv who is ready to change her life - ready to leave mercenary work behind and open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune.  The shop, its regulars, its slowly developing menu, and sapphic love story have all struck a chord with legions of fans (fans from all genre camps). In response, after just a few months out on its own, Legends & Lattes was acquired by Pan MacMillan's Tor Publishing imprint with a contract for another stand alone fantasy.  You'll hear from Travis about how work on the 2nd book is going; how his sense of smell became a beloved character creating legendary cinnamon rolls;  how hundreds of hours of narration work steered his writing; and of course you'll hear a few minutes of Travis performing the transporting Legends & Lattes audiobook.   Thanks to Travis and to Tor Publishing for being part of the pod... to quote a chess playing gnome in the book, "Thank you for letting me sit in the shade of what you've grown!"  You can find his social links and follow Travis's work through his website  And, when you use this affiliate link to purchase the audiobook from Libro.fm , you support this humble pod and a local book store of your choosing.  Thanks for listening!
Jul 15, 202228:00
A Child Lost by Michelle Cox Ep54
May 27, 202227:02
The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock, Ep53
Apr 29, 202228:10
The River Between Hearts by Heather Mateus Sappenfield, Ep52
Apr 22, 202228:13
No Names To Be Given with Julia Brewer Daily, Ep51

No Names To Be Given with Julia Brewer Daily, Ep51

This week's featured story is a Pandora's box of secrets. We are talking to author Julia Brewer Daily about how secrets reverberate through her character's stories. Her debut novel - No Names to be Given - begins in a maternity hospital in New Orleans in the late 1960’s where three young women relinquish their babies for adoption on the same day. It’s a fiction based on truth - the maternity hospital really existed and Julia herself was born there! We begin by talking about how in her fiction she uses DNA testing to reveal long hidden truths and end with what Julia calls 'the sweetest third'. You will also hear a couple minutes from the audiobook's Prologue. It's the day the three young women at the heart of the story - Sandy, Becca, and Faith - all deliver their babies. The narrator, Reagan Boggs, is also a singer/songwriter in the Nashville area. She really brings her lyricism to this story.
I want to thank The Kathy L. Murphy for introducing me to Julia when she chose No Names to be Given as one of her Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club’s ‘Book of the Month’. Also a special thank you to Julia’s publisher Lara Bernhardt at Admission Press. Julia’s sophomore book called The 5th Daughter of Thorn Ranch will be out this August. You can find the trailer for Julia's new podcast Author’s Over 50 on her website. If you’d like to hear the rest of No Names to be Given’s audiobook narrated by Reagan Boggs, please use our affiliate link to
Libro.fm When you purchase your audiobooks through the Desideratum Podcast Libro.fm partner link you support the podcast, and you can pick a local bookstore to support as well.
Apr 08, 202219:24
Forestborn by Elayne Audrey Becker Ep50
Apr 01, 202226:35
The Emancipation of Evan Walls, Jeffrey Blount Ep49
Mar 18, 202232:49
River Sing Out with James Wade Ep48
Mar 11, 202222:38
Bonus Behind the Scenes with James Wade and River Sing Out
Mar 09, 202201:39
Red Burning Sky by Tom Young Ep47
Mar 04, 202223:22