Welcome Flora Qian with her first novel "South of the Yangtze," a coming-of-age story of a thoughtful and curious Chinese girl, born and raised in Shanghai during the one-child years.* Flora discusses the origins of the novel which maps some of her own experiences as a young woman educated in China who then moved to Hong Kong. The intriguing novel, written in English, explores the themes of language, relationships, loneliness, and community, against a backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China. Flora discusses her interest in Chinese characters, how Mandarin and English entered her life, how Chinese sayings and folk tales influence our thinking, the risks of original thought, and how circumstances often hinder our ability to reach greater intimacy with others. A thought-provoking episode with something for everyone. *And could make a great holiday present!Flora's website:https://floraqian.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden
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Episode 281: Melinda Blau and Her Wisdom Whisperers
Relationship expert Melinda Blau is back with her new book, "The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter." Melinda began collecting her "old ladies," as she calls them, in mid-life and shares here the tremendous wisdom and benefit she has received over the past twenty years or so from these relationships with women much older than she is. Not so much a book on aging as a continuation of Melinda's astute career-long observations about the magic and wonder of relationships, The Wisdom Whisperers will make you laugh, reflect, learn, and may inspire you to give the book as a gift to someone dear to you. Always forthright and plain spoken, but also optimistic and good-humored, Melinda now finds herself in the ranks of these golden oldies and reminds the listeners to appreciate all that life has to offer. A wonderful upbeat and thought-provoking episode.Melinda's website:https://melindablau.com/My previous episode with Melinda about "Consequential Strangers":https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2021-12-31T22_00_00-08_00Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden
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Episode 280: Oilfield Mysteries with Malvina Lerma
Join petroleum engineer Malvina Lerma as she talks about her cozy mystery series, Oilfield Mysteries, and her amateur sleuth, Charlie, a woman working in a man's world. Malvina and Jennifer talk about the oil industry, Bakersfield, the BP catastrophe, well drilling, as well as a bunch of writing-related topics: how to convey technical expertise in a novel, what makes a cozy, Malvina's influences (especially Agathie Christie), and how to get better as a writer. An upbeat conversation great for writers and mystery lovers.Malvina's website:https://oilfieldmysteries.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden
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Episode 279: Talking Music with The Tattletale Saints
The two parts of the Americana duo Tattletale Saints, Simon Stanley and Vanessa McGowen, join us today to talk about tons of music stuff: their formation and evolution, Simon's foray into kids music, Vanessa's bass playing, their move to Nashville, what makes a good cover, and why music from New Zealand might be especially innovative. Simon also talks about songwriting, and Vanessa gives advice to early musicians about making success out of passion. We also include D.I.N.K., one of The Tattletale Saints songs. You just might be a D.I.N.K.! A lovely episode for music listeners, makers, and lovers of all shapes. The Tattletale Saints website:https://www.tattletalesaints.com/Simon's website:https://www.simonstanleysays.com/Vanessa's website:https://vanessamcgowan.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden
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Episode 278: Two Novels with Christina Hoag
Join us to talk about "Law of the Jungle" and "Skin of Tattoos," two of Christina's novels, both replete with interesting characters and quite absorbing . One is about a biochemist deep in the Amazonian jungle who falls in love with the perfect guy only to discover—well, you can imagine. What you might not imagine is what she does next. Drawn from Christina's experience working with LA gangs, "Skin of Tattoos" is a sympathetic story about a gang member released from jail who finds himself inexorably drawn back into his old life, only worse. Christina is a journalist with a colorful past full of rich adventures that she brings enthusiastically to her writing. A great episode for writers and curious readers who are drawn to the noir-er side of thriller novels. Christina's website:https://www.christinahoag.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K Crittenden
Mostly books but also television & movies, music, and stuff people make or do. Author, creator, and fan interviews with host Jennifer Crittenden.Podcast website: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/
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