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Authors Talking Bookish

Authors Talking Bookish

By: Donna Norman-Carbone and Hope Gibbs
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At Authors Talking Bookish, our mission is to dedicate ourselves to inspiring writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective.

Donna Norman-Carbone and Hope Gibbs 2023
Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable? Episode 56
    Sep 30 2025

    In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike.

    Show Notes:

    Number of films made from novels

    Upward trend of series adaptations

    Loose vs. tight adaptation

    What characteristics of a novel make for a good adaptation?

    OUR PICKS

    SOURCES & LINKS

    How to Write a Book Like a Movie, Richard M. Craft

    Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need, Jessica Brody

    Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told, Blake Snyder

    DO NOW:

    Choose a companion novel and film. Study HOW (using the characteristics mentioned above) the adaptation brings the written work to life.

    Next Episode: Hooked From Page One, the importance of strong openings

    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, COMMENT and SHARE. Thank you

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • An Interview with Author Gail Priest, Episode 55
    Sep 16 2025

    Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology. Her stories explore healing, family secrets, love, and second chances, set along the New Jersey and Maryland coast. When not writing, she enjoys reading, birdwatching, and beachcombing. She’s the author of Soul Dancing.

    SHOW NOTES:

    • Soul Dancing themes
    • Supernatural story elements
    • Awards
    • Influence of theater background
    • Research
    • Common threads throughout Gail’s work
    • Writing process
    • Advice for writers

    SOURCES & LINKS

    https://gailpriest.com/

    Next Episode: From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable?

    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

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Build, Engage, Monetize: Why Creators are Turning to Substack, Episode 54
    Sep 2 2025

    In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products. We also discuss strategies for building an engaged audience and turning their passion for writing into a sustainable income.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Substack is an online platform that allows writers and creators to host subscription-based email newsletters. Think of it as a digital publishing house that puts your content directly into your readers’ inboxes, creating a more intimate connection than a typical blog or social media post.

    Founded in 2017, Substack gained popularity because of its simplicity and the direct monetization it provides. Instead of relying on ad revenue or social media algorithms, you can charge subscribers. Whether that’s a small monthly fee or a one-time payment, keep a much larger share of the revenue.

    It’s used by journalists, novelists, niche bloggers, and increasingly, book reviewers who want to cultivate a dedicated community around their work.

    1. Types of Posts You Can Create
    2. Advantages of Substack vs. Traditional Blogging
    3. How to Get Started
    4. Tips for Success

    SOURCES & LINKS

    Hope’s Substack

    Donna’s Substack

    DO NOW:

    Sign up for Substack. Observe what other content creators are doing. Brainstorm ideas for your own substack and create goals. Download our FREE How to SUBSTACK to get you started today!

    Next Episode: An Interview w/ Gail Priest author of the award-winning Soul Dancing

    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

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
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