The Way We Word

The Decline of Recreational Reading

Inspired by a recent New York Times article showing the decline of recreational reading, this week's episode is a deep dive into reading for fun and the distractions pulling us away from this beloved passtime. A study from 2004-2023 shows a 40% decline in recreational reading. We take a look at why this might be happening, our own habits as readers, and the need to hold on to necessary skills. What does this mean for the future? Are we losing readers? Are we forgetting how much fun reading can be? Will the next generation value reading as much as past generations? There is so much to discuss and so many thoughts. We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know what you think. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com [thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com] Mentioned on this episode: The Power of the Pen Ted Talk https://youtu.be/85bqT904VWA?si=lVhhcGZJyLj2sQDD [https://youtu.be/85bqT904VWA?si=lVhhcGZJyLj2sQDD]

Author Melissa Grace Discusses Marjorie and Me

A big welcome back to one of our favorite guests! Melissa Grace celebrates the release of her latest book and a big event at Reading Rock Books. Marjorie and me is Melissa's 6th book with the most delightful and unique premise. Follow Kat as she finds herself in the adventure of a lifetime after she unexpectedly purchases an urn at a local thrift store that brings with it more than she bargained for! Melissa shares how this charming and thought-provoking story was inspired by her own local thrift store experience and the beautiful way these characters captured her heart. From bridging generational gaps and finding joy during the low points of life to immortalizing the real-life places we call home, this week's show covers all the feels and endearing themes of how writers and readers create human connection through stories. Find Melissa Grace on the socials and via her website: https://www.melissagracewrites.com [https://www.melissagracewrites.com] Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads or send an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com

Is it Just Write?

Write for perfection or write first and edit later? On this week's episode Angela and Sarah take a look at that messy first draft and whether or not we should polish before completion. Can a first draft be polished and ready? Do all stories have a place? How many eyes need to be on a manuscript before it's published? How well do you know your characters? How well do you know your story? Join the conversation as we explore writing instincts, the pressure we put on ourselves to get it right the first time, the importance of writers groups, and learning to trust yourself in the process. Find us on the socials! Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email at thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com

Interview with Voiceover Artist Charlotte Ann

June was audiobook month and Angela and Sarah had the opportunity to talk with award-winning voiceover artist, Charlotte Ann. Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite audiobook or how the narrator makes their voice convey so many emotions that pull you farther into the story? Charlotte Ann talks all things voice work and how she uses her vocals to touch the hearts and minds of listeners in many different genres. CHarlotte's Bio: Charlotte has honed her talents to become a fiercely dedicated, award winning voiceover artist who is as friendly as she is skilled. She has that great girl-next-door, conversational, believable voice that listeners can easily relate to. She's also confident in the worlds of pharma and tech and can explain complicated concepts clearly. She takes great pride in her voiceover work and strives to give her clients "rainbows and unicorns" with every opportunity. Born in the New York Bronx and later perfecting her cow-tipping skills in Ohio, Charlotte has been active in the performing arts ever since she debuted as an Angel in her first grade Christmas Pageant. Rave reviews followed her as she graduated from Fort Hayes Performing Arts High School and into the University of Southern California's Theatre program. Charlotte resides in sunny Los Angeles with her hubby and beloved sparkly voiceover booth. She enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and doing nightly "shows" with her dog, Piper. She also sings with the world-renowned Angel City Chorale. Find her online: https://www.charlotte-ann.com/#about [https://www.charlotte-ann.com/#about] Find us on the socials: Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Or send us an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com

June New Releases

June has flown by, but these new releases are hot off the presses and ready for readers to dive right in. Angela and Sarah discuss what's new, what they're looking forward to reading, and authors that should be on everyone's radar. What are you reading this summer? Let us know and join the conversation! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email to: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com [thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com] Books and authors mentioned in this episode: (be sure to check out bookshop.org and choose Reading Rock Books in Dickson, Tennessee at checkout) Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell https://bookshop.org/p/books/dont-let-him-in-lisa-jewell/21866724?ean=9781668033876&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/dont-let-him-in-lisa-jewell/21866724?ean=9781668033876&next=t] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid https://bookshop.org/p/books/atmosphere-a-love-story-taylor-jenkins-reid/21972372?ean=9780593158715&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/atmosphere-a-love-story-taylor-jenkins-reid/21972372?ean=9780593158715&next=t] So Far Gone by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/so-far-gone-jess-walter/21845730?ean=9780062868145&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/so-far-gone-jess-walter/21845730?ean=9780062868145&next=t] Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/beautiful-ruins-jess-walter/9038753?ean=9780061928178&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/beautiful-ruins-jess-walter/9038753?ean=9780061928178&next=t] The Cold Millions by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-cold-millions-jess-walter/14027227?ean=9780062868091&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-cold-millions-jess-walter/14027227?ean=9780062868091&next=t] Fox by Joyce Carol Oates https://bookshop.org/p/books/fox-joyce-carol-oates/21815717?ean=9780593978085&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/fox-joyce-carol-oates/21815717?ean=9780593978085&next=t] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab https://bookshop.org/p/books/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/21504341?ean=9781250320520&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/21504341?ean=9781250320520&next=t] The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-listeners-maggie-stiefvater/21787842?ean=9780593655504&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-listeners-maggie-stiefvater/21787842?ean=9780593655504&next=t] The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Raven Cycle Trilogy) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-raven-boys-the-raven-cycle-book-1-volume-1-maggie-stiefvater/15283633?ean=9780545424936&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-raven-boys-the-raven-cycle-book-1-volume-1-maggie-stiefvater/15283633?ean=9780545424936&next=t] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby https://bookshop.org/p/books/king-of-ashes-s-a-cosby/21879054?ean=9781250832061&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/king-of-ashes-s-a-cosby/21879054?ean=9781250832061&next=t] With A Vengeance by Riley Sager https://bookshop.org/p/books/with-a-vengeance-riley-sager/21856750?ean=9780593472408&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/with-a-vengeance-riley-sager/21856750?ean=9780593472408&next=t] Final Girls by Riley Sager https://bookshop.org/p/books/final-girls-riley-sager/8619419?ean=9781101985380&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/final-girls-riley-sager/8619419?ean=9781101985380&next=t] Ordinary Love by Marie Rutkoski https://bookshop.org/p/books/ordinary-love-marie-rutkoski/21796398?ean=9780593803264&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/ordinary-love-marie-rutkoski/21796398?ean=9780593803264&next=t] The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-girls-who-grew-big-leila-mottley/21835221?ean=9780593801123&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-girls-who-grew-big-leila-mottley/21835221?ean=9780593801123&next=t] The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-great-mann-kyra-davis-lurie/21788127?ean=9780593800867&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-great-mann-kyra-davis-lurie/21788127?ean=9780593800867&next=t] Dan In Green Gables by Rey Terciero https://bookshop.org/p/books/dan-in-green-gables-a-graphic-novel-a-modern-reimagining-of-anne-of-green-gables-rey-terciero/21786413?ean=9780593385586&next=t Road Home by Rex Ogle https://bookshop.org/p/books/road-home-rex-ogle/20614893?ean=9781324019923&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/road-home-rex-ogle/20614893?ean=9781324019923&next=t] Far and Away by Amy Poeppel https://bookshop.org/p/books/far-and-away-amy-poeppel/21872554?ean=9781668022856&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/far-and-away-amy-poeppel/21872554?ean=9781668022856&next=t] Today at School With Yesterday and Tomorrow by Jessica Young https://bookshop.org/p/books/today-at-school-with-yesterday-and-tomorrow-jessica-young/21818006?ean=9780593812754&next=t