When Research Becomes Story: Priya Parmar, Katherine Hepburn, and The Original

When Research Becomes Story: Priya Parmar, Katherine Hepburn, and The Original

Author Priya Parmar joins Chapter Chat to discuss her novel The Original, and the enduring fascination with Katherine Hepburn. Parmar shares how she balances deep research with imaginative storytelling. Parmar blends real people, places, and details with fiction in a way that feels authentic without being constrained by the record. She also walks us through the meticulous care she put into crafting the book, from shaping character and voice to honoring the era’s texture while building a compelling, original narrative.

Summer State of Mind: Kristy Woodson Harvey on Found Family and Books That Hook You

Kristy Woodson Harvey joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest release, Summer State of Mind and why “found family” remains one of her favorite themes to explore on the page. We also dig into the power of a “hook book,” the irresistible read that sparks a lifelong love of reading, and how Kristy approaches writing stories that pull readers in and keep them there.

A Thriller, a Byline, and a Busy Life

Corinne Sullivan joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest thriller, Yours Always, and the eight-year gap between her first and second novels. She shares what it’s like balancing writing with motherhood and her role as Senior News Editor at Cosmopolitan, plus how the changing media landscape has shaped her career and her storytelling.

From Newsroom to Novel: Nikesha Elise Williams on Resilience & Publishing Paths

Author and former TV news producer Nikesha Elise Williams joins Chapter Chat to talk about her latest novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. It's a layered family story where secrets don’t stay buried and generational trauma shapes what gets passed down. The Seven Daughters of Dupree touches on the resilience of Black women and the complicated love that holds families together. In this episode, Williams also breaks down what writers should know about self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and how her media background informs the way she tells stories.

Saints, Sinners and Southern Gothic: Emily Carpenter’s Latest

Author Emily Carpenter joins Chapter Chat to talk about her newest novel, A Spell for Saints and Sinners, a Southern Gothic story set in Savannah, Georgia. We dig into her research process, how she builds characters and scenes, and the winding road that led her to becoming an author—ups, downs, and all.