Behind The Stack

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Ray Nayler for his new book, "Where The Axe is Buried". They discuss what fiction does well, the success in getting a book to engage you and parallels with current events, and what helps him stay hopeful when the world can feel pessimistic. Ray's website: https://www.raynayler.net/ Ray's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raynayler/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind t...

In this bonus episode Brett sits down with returning guest, Renee from ItsBookTalk where we discuss some of our first quarter favs as well as revisit books we spoke about at the beginning of the year we were looking forward to. Renee's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsbookstalk Renee's substack: https://itsbooktalk.substack.com Other accounts mentioned: Katie @: https://https://www.instagram.com/stories/basicbsguide/ Sarah @: https://fictionmatters.substack.com/ If you like ...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Paul Rudnick to discuss his new book, "What Is Wrong With You?" They talk about the fun of writing a wide variety of characters, tech bros and technology, as well as the best junk food for the sweet tooth in your life. Paul's website: https://paulrudnick.com/about-paul-rudnick/ Paul's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulrudnick/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stac...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Kristen Arnett to discuss her new book, "Stop Me If You've Heard This One". They talk about clowns of course, the great state of Florida, but also following a non traditional writing path that can still be as equally if not more rewarding than a traditional route. Kristen's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen__arnett/ Kristen's substack: https://kristenarnett.substack.com/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe s...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Syed M. Masood to discuss his new book, The Last Man In Paradise. They talk about religious conservatism in current times, blending comedy and tragedy in writing, and take a nostalgic walk through sitcoms. Syed's website: https://www.syed-masood.com/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack Bookshop.org page: ht...

In this episode Brett sits down with Emily St. James to discuss her debut novel 'Woodworking' They talk about the title of the book and its relevance today, growing up in rural South Dakota, trans people in history, and why a sequel won't happen but what it could be. Emily's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilystjams/ https://www.assignedmedia.org/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://w...

In this episode Brett sits down with Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her new book, 'Wild Dark Shore'. They talk about the island that inspired the fictional one from the novel, the way she visualizes her characters, the far reaching effects of climate change, and what it all affects beyond us. Charlotte's website: https://www.charlottemcconaghy.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_Island If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an epi...

In this episode Brett sits down with Allison Epstein to discuss her new book, Fagin The Thief. They talk about the reimagining of literary characters, her inspiration for taking on Fagin, and agree on a pretty awful song from the musical Oliver. Allison's website: https://allisonepstein.com/ Allison's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapscallison/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: http...

This week Brett sits down with author Alejandro Heredia to discuss his debut novel, 'Loca'. They talk about immigration, the book that made him a reader, creating characters not defined by race, gender or sexuality, and the importance of finding 'your people'. Alejandro Heredia is a writer from the Bronx. He has received fellowships from LAMBDA Literary, Dominican Studies Institute, UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute, and elsewhere. He received an MFA in fiction from Hunter College. Loca is his ...

In this episode Brett sits down with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith to discuss her new novel, "Mutual Interest" which is an Indie Next Pick for February. We talk about the books third person narrative, gender roles, found families, capitalism, and finding queer joy in historical fiction. Olivia's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owolfgangsmith/ Olivia's website: http://wolfgangsmith.squarespace.com If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Wa...