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Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform

Episode Summary

On this episode of Writer’s Voice, two authors share stories of retreat and re-engagement in a world unraveling.

First, novelist Jess Walter talks about So Far Gone, a gripping, darkly funny, and deeply moving novel about Rhys Kinnick—a retired journalist who escapes to a cabin in the woods, only to find himself drawn back into the chaos of American life when his estranged daughter disappears and his grandkids show up at his doorstep.

“The first thought you have is: can I turn away? And I call this a thought experiment… what draws us back into the world?” — Jess Walter

Then, science journalist and memoirist Marguerite Holloway shares her journey in Take to the Trees, a personal exploration of forest ecology, climate grief, and finding courage through tree climbing. Her story blends memoir, science, and deep-rooted hope in the face of environmental loss.

“There was something about shifting my focus to the skills… and the community of women watching out for me—that overcame the fear.” — Marguerite Holloway

Together, these interviews ask: What do we do when the world feels too far gone? And what brings us back?Connect with WV:

Follow us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social and subscribe to our Substack. Or find us on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast 

You can support our show and the others you listen to by contributing through Lenny.fm. Your support helps us bring you more of the episodes, like this one, that you look forward to. Thanks for being a vital part of our community!

Key Words: Jess Walter, So Far Gone, Christian nationalism, literary thriller, retreat from society, conspiracy culture, Marguerite Holloway, Take to the Trees, forest ecology, tree climbing, women arborists, climate anxiety, dendrochronology, forest health, climate change and trees, Bear and Melissa Lavangie,

You Might Also Like: Jess Walter, THE COLD MILLIONS, Manjula Martin, THE LAST FIRE SEASON

And check out Francesca’s new podcast about creating a new land ethic, Changehampton Presents: Changing the World One Yard At A Time

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform.

Episode Summary

This week: Grandmaster of crime fiction Laura Lippman joins us to talk about her delightful new mystery, Murder Takes a Vacation. The novel brings back Muriel “Mrs.” Blossom—now a wealthy, single woman in her sixties—on a river cruise where art theft, murder, and self-reinvention intersect. It’s a twisty, character-rich whodunit that also explores the power of friendship, pleasure, and starting over in the third act of life.

“Crime is interesting. It cracks the world open, and then things change.” — Laura Lippman

Then, as New Yorkers begin voting in the Democratic primary for Mayor, we revisit Francesca’s 2021 conversation with Ross Barkan about his book, The Prince: Andrew Cuomo, The Coronavirus & The Fall of New York.

“I don’t think Cuomo is Donald Trump by any means. I don’t think anyone is Donald Trump, but I do think there’s more similarities between the two than a lot of liberal left-leaning people would admit.” –Ross Barkan

Connect with WV:

Follow us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social and subscribe to our Substack. Or find us on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast 

You can support our show and the others you listen to by contributing through Lenny.fm. Your support helps us bring you more of the episodes, like this one, that you look forward to. Thanks for being a vital part of our community!

Key Words: Laura Lippman, Murder Takes a Vacation, cozy mystery, feminist crime fiction, ageism, fatphobia, Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster, Ross Barkan, Andrew Cuomo, Covid19 in New York.

You Might Also Like: Ross Barkan, THE PRINCE, Claire Coughlan, WHERE THEY LIE

And check out Francesca’s new podcast about creating a new land ethic, Changehampton Presents: Changing the World One Yard At A Time

Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform.

Episode Summary

This week on Writer’s Voice, two authors of speculative fiction explore what it means to be human in a world shaped by crisis, autocracy, and extinction.

First, Ray Nayler discusses Where the Axe is Buried, a gripping novel that imagines a future governed by AI prime ministers and mass surveillance. It’s a chilling look at authoritarianism, technocratic “solutions,” and the erosion of personal freedom. Yet it holds out hope for the eternal human drive for freedom.

“Dissatisfaction with things as they are is the engine that will always eventually undermine autocracy.” — Ray Nayler

Then, Tim Weed talks about The Afterlife Project, a haunting story set in the aftermath of a climate-engineered catastrophe. A lone scientist awakens 10,000 years in the future to discover whether humanity—and the planet—has survived.

“Maybe we will come to take what I consider to be our destiny as a species… to become the stewards of life on Earth.” — Tim Weed

Both novels ask big questions: Can systems change? What will artificial intelligence do to our democracies? And what kind of afterlife awaits a species on the brink?

Connect with WV:

Follow us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social and subscribe to our Substack. Or find us on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast 

You can support our show and the others you listen to by contributing through Lenny.fm. Your support helps us bring you more of the episodes, like this one, that you look forward to. Thanks for being a vital part of our community!

Key Words: Tim Weed, The Afterlife Project, speculative fiction, climate collapse, human extinction, ecological fiction, Ray Nayler, Where the Axe Is Buried, AI autocracy, surveillance state, artificial intelligence, authoritarianism,

You Might Also Like: Ray Nayler, THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SEA, Cary Groner, THE WAY

And check out Francesca’s new podcast about creating a new land ethic, Changehampton Presents: Changing the World One Yard At A Time

Continue reading →