Unseriously

It's a fun one with not one...not two...but three accidental near-death experiences with historical fantasy author Emma C. Fox. Listen in as Emma tells Holly about that time with the mushrooms, that time with the ski instructor, and that other time with the horse...and oh yeah, Emma would also like to publicly apologize to Megan's mom.
Laura Lee Sims, you are a legend, and Debbie Bailey...well, your reviews are mixed at this time. Emma can DM you her mailing address.
Check your safety strap and join Holly and Emma live from the accidental black diamond as they cram way too much into five minutes, but also talk about those things we can do for kids that might unknowingly set the course for their lives. They'll also chat about seeking equilibrium between the roles of creative and mom, and trusting God and by letting go of our creative endeavors.
Kimi Cunningham Grant, you get a shout out right alongside John Steinbeck!
Find Emma's books from her publisher, Owl's Nest, follow her on Substack at Hiraeth House (yes, we checked the spelling like four times), or find her at emmafoxauthor.com or on Instagram, @emmafoxbooks. You can preorder her latest release here.
The Arrow and the Crown is the book that was featured at Holly's daughter's birthday and her recommended place to start.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.
Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode had lots of different titling possibilities, which made it clear that only one would suit. Settle in for the magic of Sophie Blackall as she discusses with Holly that moment you know when a book has been made for you, as well as working collaboratively with Kate DiCamillo. Oh yeah, and because this is Unseriously, they'll also discuss picking a favorite kid and how the most unexpected questions can lend the most horrifying results. Above all, it's an elbow toward more reading for all of us--not just kiddos.
Both Sophie's books Hello Lighthouse and Farmhouse are specifically mentioned, as well as her collaboration with Kate DiCamillo, Lost Evangeline.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.
Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brace for magic--she's just as wonderful as you'd hoped she'd be--today on Unseriously it's 2-time Caldecott medalist, the author and illustrator Sophie Blackall. Sophie joins Holly to regale her with tales of that time she accidentally drew the Pentagon, how she dumped a guy over a mango, and yeah, no, yeah...all about that column. As Unseriously's first Australian-born guest, it's only right that Holly incite the riot between Adelaide and Sydney, and help Sophie practice her new response, "What a great question--I'm so glad you asked." Nobody skirted the PG episode marker quite as hard as Sophie, and also recovers quite as hard--just wait til Sophie tells us about that time Kate DiCamillo offered to read to her. Come and tread the border between the edge of land and the beginning of sea with Sophie and Holly for this unforgettable episode.
Sophie is the illustrator of many, many books, among which are Holly's favorites Hello Lighthouse and Farmhouse. (Honestly, Holly won't stop talking about Farmhouse.) Sophie is also the author of the brand new picture book with Phoebe Wahl, Story Rug.
Sophie's heart for kiddos shines through, plus her support for working mom-creatives and her peers in the children's book community...except maybe you, Brian Floca...you'll dig out eventually, but for now Sophie still has beef with you...
The book Sophie references is called Principles of Uncertainty, by Maira Kalman, and you can find out all about the magical Milkwood Farm on their website, and follow Sophie on Instagram.
Cut yourself a big slice of cake and settle in for this episode--enjoy!

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.
Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you loved the episode with cultural theorist, author, and super-reader Karen Swallow Prior, then this little lagniappe is for you. Holly and Karen will talk comfort reads, multi-reading, Barbara Kingsolver and Neil Postman--dizzy yet? Pop yourself out of that reading slump with these 5 minutes of an Unserious nudge--time to read!

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.
Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maybe you've heard her before, but have you ever heard her like this?? Join the fun as our favorite Karen kicks up those fancy shoes and puts the cool back in "Karen." She may be one of this country's most notoriously well-read, but did you know Dr. Karen Swallow Prior also gave that envelope to that guy? We'll hear about her days in organized crime, plus the devolution of one of her dog's nicknames, her feelings on the mockumentary Best In Show, and how she's in her Neil Diamond era. Brace yourself as she and Holly discuss both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings...when the villagers come for Karen and Holly with torches, it'll be because of this episode. Maybe their kind friend Chris Davis will save them...or maybe not because he's so embarrassed by how much they talk about him here.
Karen is the author of many books including one of Holly's five-star reads from 2026, You Have a Calling, recommended for anyone discerning God's path for their life. You can find her on Instagram, @karenswallowprior, or on her Substack, The Priory, where you can actively support her work by becoming a paid subscriber.
Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.
Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.