In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate, two gripping works of historical fiction. Arnett opens up about the deeply personal inspirations behind his novels and how his legal career shaped the complex worlds he creates. From intense research to navigating the road to publication, Arnett shares the passion and process behind his writing. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation—and find out why these books belong on your must-read list.

The Monmouth Manifesto” delves into the American Revolution through the eyes of Loyalists, revealing a gripping tale of two New Jersey farmers turned soldiers. Their daring exploits against the Patriots lead to deadly reprisals, shattering lives and igniting international tensions in a struggle for survival on the wrong side of history.

• Congratulations on The Monmouth Manifesto! Can you give us a synopsis of this book and tell us what drew you to this story.
• The book really dives into loyalty and moral dilemmas. How do you want readers to think differently about those ideas, especially when it comes to understanding people on both sides of a conflict?
• How much research did you do for this book and your first?
• Talk about the difficulty that you encountered in writing the dialogue for this book. It’s set 250 years ago. And obviously English today is very different.
• Are there any historical figures or hidden truths from the Revolution that you wish more people knew about? Did you include any of those in your story?
• Can you tell us about your first book, Bean Fate? What inspired you to write it, and how was the experience of getting started.
• As a Canadian, what attracted you to telling stories about American History?You’ve had this impressive career in law and business. What made you decide to pivot to writing after retiring? What was the spark that motivated you to start storytelling?
• What was your road to getting the book published? Did you face any surprises along the way?
• What does your typical day look like as a writer/author?
• What is something, as an author, that you learned the hard way?

SOURCES & LINKS

James’ Website: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/

Buy Link: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/the-monmouth-manifesto

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor. Whether you're prepping your manuscript for submission or self-publishing, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what editors really look for. You'll hear their biggest pet peeves, hard-won lessons, and the advice every writer needs before hitting "send." Plus, a peek into a typical day in the life of an editor—and how they balance editing with their own creative work. Writers, this one’s for you!

• Can you tell us about your experiences as an editor and book coach?
• What types of editing do each of you do?
• What’s the most common mistake you see writers make during revisions?
• What tools or software do you rely on in your editing workflow?
• How do you handle giving tough feedback to an author?
• John, does being an author affect your processes as an editor? If so, in what ways?
• Sarah, you provide a free downloadable eBook for authors on your website, what golden nuggets can they find there?
• At what stage in the writing or revision process should writers approach an editor?
• What are your pet peeves in a manuscript?
• What have you learned the hard way that might help our authors in their writing or in working with editors?

SOURCES & LINKS

Sarah’s website:

http://sarahjrexford.com/

John’s Website:

http://www.johndedakis.com/

@johndedakis.bsky.social

X: @johnDeDakis

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/john.dedakis/

Instagram: @dedakisjohn

Craft Book Recs from John and Sarah:

Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray

Anything by Stephen James and DiAnn Mills

Anything that delves into the psychology of characters

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that dives deep into their lives as writers, readers, and creatives. From the highs and lows of the publishing journey to quirky habits and guilty pleasures, nothing is off-limits. You’ve heard their thoughts on craft and industry—now get ready to meet the women behind the voices in a way you never have before. Honest. Unfiltered. Fun.

Next Episode: Editing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you