The Acknowledgments

"True Biz" by Sara Nović, on Deaf culture and community

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0400

TRUE BIZ (adj./exclamation; American Sign Language): really, seriously, definitely, real-talk

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, I'm joined by Sara Nović, the author of "True Biz." Her novel introduces us to the students at the River Valley School for the Deaf. In this fictional story, the reader has the opportunity to explore the experiences, relationships, and unique aspects of the Deaf students at the school and the adults around them.

During our conversation, Sara shares her thoughts as an author who is Deaf and how her writing process has been influenced by her life experiences. Sara also opened up about the challenges and experiences she encountered during the book's publication.

Since Sara and I use different languages to communicate in that I speak English and she uses ASL, our conversation was translated by Kristin Steinmetz, an ASL/English interpreter, who volunteered her time to interpret our conversation. A full transcript is available here.

Connect with Sara: https://sara-novic.com.

"With Regrets" by Lee Kelly with a chat about mixing genres

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, author Lee Kelly talks about her genre-blend book, "With Regrets." The book was compared to a mix between “Big Little Lies” and “Bird Box,” witha story that revolves around four couples and their struggles when faced with an apocalyptic event. Lee shares how her own experiences as a parent influenced the book's themes, as well as how the COVID pandemic influenced her writing and impacted the events in the book.

Lee also highlighted how fascinated she has always been with genre blends,those that are not common mixes of genres, leading to the themes of her books. This episode also touchedf topics regarding parenthood, and how it affected, and even started, Lee’s writing process for “With Regrets.”

Future plans were also mentioned in this episode, with Lee having an upcoming book called “The Starlets,” a thriller-meets-hollywood type of novel. She also talks about her desire to explore more genres and write about them.

Connect with Lee Kelly: www.leekellyauthor.com

"First Course" by Jenn Bouchard, with a chat about rom-coms

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, Nutan chats with author Jenn Bouchard. They delve into her book "First Course" and her journey into the literary world. The novel, which revolves around the life of Janie Whitman, a young journalist in Chicago, has received several accolades, including being a finalist in the Women's Fiction category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards. Nutan and Jenn talk about her inspirations that show up in the book, including music and food (check out the recipes on her website)!

Along with a chat about the mutual love of rom-coms, the conversation further unravels the themes of sisterhood, parenting, and relationships in "First Course.” We also get a sneak peek into Jenn's upcoming project, "Palms on the Cape" and chat about Jenn's dual role as a high school social studies teacher. Listen in and hear the advice she would give her students on being a writer!

Connect with Jenn: https://jennbouchard.com/

"Governing Bodies" by Sangamithra Iyer, with a chat about connection

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we chat with Sangamithra Iyer about topics spanning from her unique education, connection to her family, and passion about the natural world around her. Although Sangu’s book, “Governing Bodies,” won’t grace our shelves for some time, she gives a preview by reading a beautifully written section of the book.

Throughout the conversation, Sangu shares her interest in animal welfare, environmentalism, and social justice through her work on Satya magazine, writing projects, and launch of the The Literary Animal Project.

Listen to this episode to hear about the many facets of Sangu – her experience at a primate sanctuary in Cameroon, thoughts on invisible labor, and exploration into ancient Tamil poetry.

Learn more about Sangu and her work:

Sangu’s Website https://sangamithraiyer.com/

The Literary Animal Project https://literaryanimal.substack.com/

More about the book, “Governing Bodies” https://www.whiting.org/content/sangamithra-iyer#/

"A House Full of Windsor" by Kristin Contino, with a talk about the royal family

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, author Kristin Contino chats about her royal-themed book, “A House Full of Windsor.” Kristin shares her personal interest in the royal family and how it led to her book's concept which follows mother-daughter duo Debbie and Sarah. Debbie, who's a compulsive hoarder of Royal Family memorabilia ends up on a hoarding reality show with Sarah, who is a TV etiquette expert, and how it turns both of their lives upside down.

Kristin shares the major influences that shaped her writing interest and process, all deeply-rooted from her family, especially her mother and grandmother. She also talks about her early writing endeavors and her favorite city.

Kristin shared her process in writing "A House Full of Windsor" - where the idea originated, how she went on with her research, and how she reflected her personal l experiences in the book.

Join us in this episode as Kristin gives us a fun glimpse of her writing journey and her future writing projects.

Connect with Kristin: https://www.kristincontino.com/

"Loot" by Tania James, with a chat about the power of play

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, host Nutan Rubinson sits down and chats with author Tania James to dig into her uniquely-themed book "Loot," a historical fiction, a heist novel, a romance, and a story about colonialism and artistic growth.

The story is set in 18th century South India and follows a young wood carver named Abbas who is tasked with creating a mechanical tiger as a gift for the ruler's sons. The tiger, known as Tipu's Tiger, is eventually stolen by British forces, leading Abbas on a journey to retrieve it and fulfill his dream of becoming a great artist.

In her acknowledgments, Tania discusses the influence of her family, particularly her father's broad curiosity and her mother's support, on her writing journey. She reflects on her childhood imagination and playfulness, comparing it to the wonder and creativity of children at play.

Tania looks into how her role as an associate professor of English influenced her writing process, and how she finds inspiration in the works she teaches and the discussions with her students.

"The Bangalore Detectives Club" by Harini Nagendra, with a discussion about writing both fiction and non-fiction

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Acknowledgments, author Harini Nagendra discusses her captivating book, "Bangalore Detectives Club." Set in 1920s Bangalore, India, the story follows the determined 19-year-old protagonist, Kaveri, as she forms a detective club after stumbling upon a murder. Harini shares her inspirations for the book, drawing from the strong women in her family and the history of Bangalore, where she expertly weaves a narrative filled with intrigue and mystery.

As an ecologist, Harini also talks about her transition from writing non-fiction to fiction, highlighting the importance of switching off the non-fiction voice to allow creativity to flow. She emphasizes the impact of South Asian authors and representation in literature, praising the connection readers feel when they find characters that resemble them or share their experiences.

Harini reveals exciting plans for the future of the Bangalore Detectives Club series, with upcoming books set in a mysterious circus and during the Indian Independence movement. Additionally, she mentions her non-fiction project, "Shades of Blue," focusing on water in Indian cities, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. Overall, the episode offers a delightful and insightful glimpse into Harini's writing journey and her passion for ecology and history.

Connect with Harini: https://harininagendra.com

"Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac" by Bruce Goldstein, with a conversation about mental health

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline.

Welcome to another episode of The Acknowledgments, featuring special guest Bruce Goldstein, author of "Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac". Bruce takes us on a journey through his battle with depression and anxiety, revealing how the unconditional love of his dog, Ozzy, brought hope and healing into his life. From the early challenges of puppy training to becoming a beloved duo known throughout the city, Bruce shares anecdotes of their adventures together, highlighting the transformative power of their bond.

One of the book's highlights is the "Bruce and Ozzy Show," where Bruce recounts their encounters with people and celebrities.. Bruce expresses his gratitude towards individuals who played pivotal roles during this transformative period, including George, a trusted friend who cared for Ozzy, and Frank, a stranger at Barnes and Noble Cafe. Bruce's psychologist also holds a special place in his heart, having not only provided therapy but also comforting hugs that brought solace during difficult times.

Throughout the episode, Bruce candidly discusses the struggles he faced, the inspiration behind writing his book, and the importance of mental health awareness. He contemplates the possibility of getting another dog and shares his ongoing writing endeavors, highlighting the therapeutic nature of storytelling as a way to channel his experiences into meaningful narratives. Join Nutan on this enlightening journey into the depths of mental health struggles and the transformative power of the human-canine bond.

Connect with Bruce through his socials and website:

https://workingnotworking.com/1916-bruce

http://www.brucegoldsteincreative.com/#/new-gallery-3/

"The Perfect Neighborhood" by Liz Alterman, with a chat about mom guilt

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to another episode of The Acknowledgments! In this episode, we have a conversation with Liz Alterman, author of the thriller, The Perfect Neighborhood. Liz takes us on a journey through her fictional upscale community, challenging the perception of a perfect neighborhood, and exploring the pressures faced by mothers. We delve into the motivations behind her choice of setting, the influence of her own experiences living in New Jersey, and the relatable themes of mom guilt and the struggle between independence and protection.

During the discussion, Liz shares her personal connection with storytelling. We also learn about Liz's dear friends Celeste and Chris, who provide invaluable feedback as early readers and offer unwavering support. And let's not forget Liz's cousin Kim, her constant cheerleaders, who effortlessly charms friends and strangers into buying Liz's words.

Tune in to this episode filled with warmth and laughter as we explore the inspiration, relationships, and moments that have shaped Liz Alterman's writing journey. Join us as we celebrate the power of community and the importance of having a strong support system while pursuing creative endeavors.

Visit http://theacknowledgments.com/links to know more about the podcast.

"A Game of Fox & Squirrels" by Jenn Reese, with an exploration into fantasy

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to organizations such as www.childhelp.org and www.childwelfare.gov.

Nutan chats withJenn Reese about her middle-grade book, "A Game of Fox and Squirrels." The story follows Samantha and her sister Caitlin, who find themselves in Oregon after a domestic incident. Samantha's birthday gift, a card game called Fox and Squirrels, brings the game's creatures to life, leading Samantha on quests to find the Golden Acorn and make life-altering choices.

Jenn's decision to include an author's note stands out to Nutan, as it reveals Jen's motivation to connect with vulnerable readers and spark conversations. By incorporating fantasy elements and a card game, Jenn explores difficult subjects while providing emotional distance and a safer reading experience. Nutan and Jenn acknowledge the power of fantasy in offering clarity and a fresh perspective on reality.

In the acknowledgments, Nutan highlights Jenn's gratitude towards her editor, Tiffany, who understood the book's vital elements and protected them during revisions. They reflect on the impact of editors and the writing process, noting that "A Game of Fox and Squirrels" was Jen's fastest yet longest book to write.

"The Summer My Grandmother's Yard Tried to Kill Me" by Harry Harvey, with a talk about imagination

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Acknowledgements podcast, host Nutan Rubinson sits down with author Harry Harvey to discuss his book "The Summer My Grandmother's Yard Tried to Kill Me." The book follows the adventures of Peter Mulligan, a young boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as he spends his summer with his grandmother on Johnson Island. Harry draws on his love for classic monster movies and his experience as a high school teacher to create a story that combines comedy, adventure, and a heroic protagonist with ASD.

Inthe interview, Harry expresses gratitude towards his supportive neighbors, who served as storytellers and provided inspiration. He emphasizes the value of a writer's group, where members exchange chapters and provide critiques to enhance their work. The podcast explores Harry's four-year journey from conception to publication, shedding light on his writing process.Hear about the influence of monster movies and unwieldy bamboo!

Harry tells a story discovering Hemingway in a giant bin of books and how that influenced his path in life. Looking ahead, Harry discusses his upcoming projects, including a middle-grade book centered around ping pong and a dystopian tale set in a world where food has been replaced by pills.

You can listen to the full podcast episode and learn more about Harry Harvey and his book on his website.

"Make Me Disappear" by Jessica Payne, with a chat about found family

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, author Jessica discusses her debut novel "Make Me Disappear," a gripping domestic suspense thriller. The story follows Noel, a nurse in Seattle, who plans her own kidnapping to escape her controlling boyfriend, Daniel. However, the situation takes a dark turn when her fake kidnapping becomes real, and she realizes she is still trapped. Determined to break free, she resolves to turn the tables on Daniel.

Jessica shares that she found solace and creativity through writing since middle school, with her mother's best friend, Carol, offering unwavering support. She also talks about her connection with Jamie Lynn Hendricks, her critique partner whom she met on Twitter. They provided each other with feedback and support, motivating Jessica throughout her writing process.

The conversation highlights Jessica's passion for writing thrillers, as she enjoys crafting captivating puzzles for readers to solve. She mentions her upcoming book release and expresses gratitude for the supportive people in her life. Jessica also discusses her involvement in the "Mom's Writer Club," a support group that offered camaraderie to mothers who were writers during the isolating lockdown period of the pandemic. She dedicates her third book to her late mentor and critique partner, Evie Hughes.

Sit back, relax, and tune in to The Acknowledgments.

Learn more about Jessica Payne and her works: visit https://jessicapayne.net/

Follow her on Twitter: @authorjesspayne

"The Shore" by Katie Runde, with a dialogue about dads

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 04 May 2023 07:45:00 -0400

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with author Katie Runde, a writer, and mom, from Iowa, whose book, The Shore, is a poignant and hopeful tale of a family facing the challenges of a family member living with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Katie shares with us the inspiration for her book, which was inspired by her own family’s experience. Her father was diagnosed with the same condition and the family had to keep their business running in the midst of his illness. Katie talks about the support network that helped her family through this difficult time, and shares how her acknowledgments provide recognition to people for their kindness and support.

We also discuss the writing process, and Katie emphasizes the importance of endurance and perseverance when it comes to writing. She encourages everyone to keep showing up, even when the task seems daunting.

Sit back, relax, and tune in to The Acknowledgments.

Learn more about Katie Runde and her works: visit https://www.katierundewriter.com/

Follow her on Twitter: @khrunde

00:39 – 12:15 Book’s premise with a tragic element

02:29 – 04:27 Jeff, Liz, Marty’s Doghouse staff in the acknowledgments

04:41 – 05:31 Katie’s family fights glioblastoma and receives support

05:52 – 07:55 Katie thanks father and supporters in acknowledgments

15:39 – 17:59 Writing requires endurance and perseverance

22:40 – 25:11 How similar the book is to Katie’s life

25:14 – 31:06 How Katie’s reading habits influenced writing

32:55 – 34:06 Running, Katie’s favorite memory with father

"Finding Tessa" by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, with a conversation about resilience

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive into the world of thriller novels with renowned author Jaime Lynn Hendricks. Her book, Finding Tessa, follows the story of a wife who goes missing, and her husband's journey to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Jaime talks about her writing journey and the arduous process of writing a book. Her writing community played a crucial role in keeping her motivated during the lengthy process towards getting the book published.

In chatting about her acknowledgments, we uncover the mystery of why Jaime owes a particular person a few martinis! She then talks about her best friend Anne Marie and their special relationship. She also shares a regretful moment of forgetting to acknowledge someone in her book.

This episode gives a fascinating look into the world of thriller novels while giving insight into the journey of an author bringing their story to life. Jaime’s resilience in getting her first book published is an inspiring story for anyone on that writing journey.

If you're a book lover, aspiring writer, and a fan of books like Gone Girl and The Girl On The Train hit the play button and tune in!

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Follow Jaime on her socials:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJLH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058297073833

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Time stamps:

00:52 – 02:00 Mystery book about Tessa and her husband

02:51 – 08:11 Literary agent Barbara in the acknowledgments

10:06 – 12:23 How Jaime kept grit all along

12:47 – 13:57 Jaime’s interest in the thriller genre

14:23 – 15:05 Young Jaime’s reading preferences

15:15 – 18:49 Long process of her writing journey

18:50 – 19:14 Writing is an arduous process

19:36 – 19:59 Pet dog Cosmo in the acknowledgments

20:00 – 22:11 Character Jace’s life resembling Jaime’s

22:27 – 26:09 Book dedicated to Jaime’s best friend Anne Marie

26:35 – 29:01 New book also a thriller

29:02 – 29:41 Jaime regrets forgetting to acknowledge someone

29:42 – 30:47 Jaime’s industry contacts get bigger

"Revival Season" by Monica West, with a conversation about gratitude

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:05:00 -0400

For Monica West, it took time to write a book that would impact and resonate with her audience. Her latest book, Revival Season, was nine years in the making.

Monica shares that writing was her place of peace, her escape, and her refuge. Monica also reveals the fascinating thing that inspires her writing; she sees an image and builds the story around that image.

In today’s episode, this brilliant author from Cleveland, Ohio, Monica, shares her sources of inspiration. Join me as I chat with Monica and she reveals the people who influenced her writing: her supportive parents, warm community, and long-time friends.

Monica also loves to read acknowledgments in the books she reads. She believes that acknowledgments are a kind of love letter to the community and people who helped shape the books she wrote over the years.

Monica West shares that one of the things that matter to her is being able to express her gratitude to the people that have supported her and she does that through the acknowledgments in her book.

Tune in and be inspired by today’s episode.

Discover more about Monica West and her latest book: Revival Season through https://monicawestwrites.com/.

Follow her social media pages and be updated on her events and awards: https://www.facebook.com/monicawestwrites/ and https://www.instagram.com/mlaurenwest/.

Timestamp:

01:10 Premise of Monica West’s book: Revival Season

02:00 The book revolved around relationships with family and friends, and faith in God.

02:53 What led Monica to have multiple pages of acknowledgments

03:13 Monica loved acknowledgments in books

03:51 Acknowledgments are love letters to her community and to people who shaped the book

06:10 The book was nine years in the making

06:27 The book Monica wrote prior to this one was 10 years in the making

06:50 Monica sees images and when they recur, she knows something is beyond fleeting

09:28 How Monica kept the motivation for so long

09:52 Writing has been Monica’s place of peace

10:37 Feedback was the first thing that kept her going

11:51 Monica’s three friends, whom she considered as sisters, were in her acknowledgments

13:12 From the beginning, these friends nurtured the book and Monica herself

14:36 One of the people mentioned in the acknowledgements is Gabby Ryan

15:47 Gabby has always pushed Monica to write

18:21 Miriam, the main character in the book, had traits that were a part of Monica

19:54 Monica’s favorite line of the book

21:10 Monicais writing a new book

25:12 The genres of books Monica reads

29:17 Monica’s parents read to her when she was little and helped her imagine worlds that existed in books

30:28 Books have always been part of Monica’s life

34:20 Remaining grateful

"Your Robot Dog Will Die" by Arin Greenwood, with a chat about helping animals

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Authors have many different sources of inspiration in writing books. For Arin Greenwood, it is her family and her love for animals. Arin is an animal writer, editor, novelist, and communications consultant who keeps many pets.

Arin’s book, Your Robot Dog Will Die, is set in a near-future world where real dogs are non-existent. Her goal? To make this a kinder world for animals.

All of Arin’s books are fiction yet the ideas embedded in these are based on what she sees, what she thinks, and what she feels. When she writes, Arin tells that she would always imagine a place where she would like to spend time in, and that is where the setting of the book would be.

Working as an animal welfare journalist and as a lawyer in Micronesia gave her the inspiration to write a fictional book centered on the profound impact of dogs in people’s lives. Apart from these, some of the people who influenced her as a writer were revealed in her acknowledgments: her family, her niece Maxi, as well as animal rescuers, shelter workers, and advocates.

Find out these and more by tuning in to this meaningful episode.

Be updated about Arin Greenwood’s work and upcoming books. Visit https://www.aringreenwood.com/.

Connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arin-greenwood-017a577

Follow her Twitter account https://twitter.com/arin_twit

"The Part About the Dragon Was (Mostly) True" by Sean Gibson with a chat about dad jokes

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Guest author Sean Gibson speaks about his funny, light, and unconventional comedic fantasy book, The Part About the Dragon was (Mostly) True.

Majoring in English and concentrating on Victorian literature was not one of Sean’s plans, but it definitely led him to writing.

Sean shares that his children were very young when he wrote the book so he was sleep deprived. Despite this, he persistently made drafts of the book in commutes to and from work in Washington, D.C. Moreover, Sean tells how the pandemic substantially changed the way he writes.

Sean cannot skip reading the acknowledgments in every book he reads. As for him and his books, he thanks a group of people he has known since second grade.

Join me as I dig into Sean’s biggest inspirations in writing and reading. In this episode, he shares his college major and how it influenced him to write exciting stories full of dragons and dad jokes.

Be all ears as Sean uncovers the interesting people in his acknowledgments: the good people from his favorite coffee shop and the quiet strangers who let him write his book peacefully inside the rideshare.

Catch more of Sean’s works on his website https://www.seangibsonauthor.com/.

Follow his Twitter account @Gibknight

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"By Way of Sorrow" by Robyn Gigl with a Conversation about Family

Nutan Rubinson — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Writing from a unique perspective, transgender attorney, activist, and author, Robyn Gigl, shares the influences in her writings. Critics say that her legal thrillers, By Way of Sorrow and Survivor’s Guilt, are emotionally resonant and quietly groundbreaking.

In this episode, Robyn talks about her transitioning later in life, how it sparked her to write books, and how it affected her relationships with her then-wife and children through the years.

Just like us, Robyn loves to read the acknowledgments in every book she reads. In her works, she acknowledges her late mother’s acceptance of her as a transgender woman despite her conventional beliefs. Robyn also recognizes the support of her family over time.

In spite of having a day job as an attorney, Robyn finds the time to write. In her books, the protagonist is Erin McCabe, a criminal defense lawyer and transgender woman.

Listen in to the moving conversation I had with Robyn as she unveils her experiences of being a transgender author and the intent behind her acknowledgments.

Robyn, through her books, recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and hopes to touch the lives of those within and outside it.

Check out Robyn Gigl’s works and praises at https://robyngigl.com/.

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @robyngigl

For more updates about The Acknowledgments Podcast, follow us on our social media accounts!

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Trailer Episode - The Acknowledgments Podcast

Nutan Robinsons — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Acknowledgments, a podcast where we chat with authors and take a peek beyond “The End”. I’m your host, Nutan Rubinson, and every other week, I’ll be chatting with a new author about their book, their acknowledgments, and everything in between.

Our community is filled with book lovers, from avid readers to aspiring writers, who enjoy discussing, arguing, and just plain old-loving books. So, whether you’re looking to kick start reading, or you’re already a book lover, we welcome you to join our community. In addition to our author interviews, we’ll also discuss what books authors are currently reading, their writing process, inspirations, and challenges. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook as “The Acknowledgments” or visit our website, theacknowledgments.com, to stay up-to-date on all of our episodes. So, hit that subscribe button, and let’s read from cover to cover!