For Nicole Mattke, a clear and driving plot isn’t the most important thing. She loves beautiful, introspective writing that makes her think about everyday emotions. She also spent a year roaming a hotel, doing a job that sounds like it belongs in the pages of a novel. Today Nicole shares some of the stories she heard during her time there, and the literary c ... Show More
Sep 22
Ep. 543: Behind the scenes of Fall Book Preview 2026
Today, Anne is talking all things fall books with our executive producer, Will Bogel. They'll discuss the 2026 Fall Book Preview, which came out last Thursday, September 17th. In their conversation, Will and Anne will bring you behind the scenes as they talk about where the idea ... Show More
44m 59s
Apr 2024
Simple Thing, Felt: Nina LaCour on Unwrapping a Moment
"I spend a lot of time trying to hope that I'll remember little things and how a certain simple thing felt. … Writing is one way of trying to capture that feeling, even if I'm fictionalizing it still.” - Nina LaCourIf Nina LaCour were a drink, she would be a cozy cup of tea. You’ ... Show More
37m 57s
Aug 2025
Asking for what we need, by Kathryn Nicolai
Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the Nothing Much Happens podcast, learns at an early age to diminish her own needs. She never wants to become a problem for other people, so she pretends like she’s always okay. When she gets an opportunity to study abroad in Italy, a difficult experie ... Show More
35m 17s
Aug 2023
Asking for what we need, by Kathryn Nicolai
Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the Nothing Much Happens podcast, learns at an early age to diminish her own needs. She never wants to become a problem for other people, so she pretends like she’s always okay. When she gets an opportunity to study abroad in Italy, a difficult experie ... Show More
35m 17s
Mar 2022
'Checkout 19' explores the magic of escaping with a good book
The nameless narrator in author Claire-Louise Bennett's new novel, Checkout 19, absolutely loves books. Their mere presence puts her at ease. But her lifelong love of reading is, in part, because she feels let down by the people around her. Bennett told NPR's Scott Simon that lov ... Show More
8m 37s
Jul 2024
Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan
<p>Ellen and Mom discuss the poetry, passion, and posing in Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan. Plus, our vacation rundown and a very harrowing experience in France. <br/><br/>Come hang out with us! <br/>Twitter/Instagram: @notyourmomsrom<br/>Facebook Group: Not Your Mom's Facebook ... Show More
1h 30m