Northwest Book Talk

Shirley Karr on Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, and Writing Happy Endings

Award-winning Regency romance author Shirley Karr talks with Northwest Book Talk about writing historical romance, researching Regency England, sailing on the Lady Washington, and building stories filled with humor, adventure, and emotional connection. Shirley shares her publishing journey, from selling to HarperCollins/Avon to returning as an indie author, and explains why romance remains one of publishing’s most beloved genres.

Jesse Morse | Place-Based Writing, Poetry & Creative Writing at Clark College

Poet, educator, and musician Jesse Morse discusses place-based writing, poetry, nature writing, and teaching creative writing at Clark College. In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, Jesse explores how writers can capture the spirit of a place through observation, sensory detail, and storytelling. He also shares insights into teaching poetry, balancing music and writing, and leading a workshop on place-based writing at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest. Perfect for writers, readers, poets, educators, and anyone inspired by the Pacific Northwest literary scene. NorthwestBookTalk.com

Michelle St. Romain — Song of Belonging & Writing Ancestry

Author Michelle St. Romain shares the story behind Song of Belonging, exploring ancestry, memory, and the creative process behind her debut novel.

Craig Orback – Children’s Book Illustrator & Storytelling Through Art

Illustrator Craig Orback shares how visual storytelling brings books to life, his work with major publishers, and the influence of Charles Schulz.

Temple Lentz: Not Quite Home, Community, and the Power of Story

Temple Lentz—author of Not Quite Home and an international award-winning novelist—joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk. In this episode, Temple discusses how her debut novel explores homelessness, community-building, and unlikely partnerships between women from different backgrounds. Drawing from her work in public service and nonprofit leadership, Temple shares how real-life experiences shaped the story, why fiction can make difficult topics more accessible, and what it takes to create meaningful change at the local level. If you’re interested in socially relevant fiction, women-centered stories, or community-driven solutions, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and hope. Find out more at NorthwestBookTalk.com