Elena Meets the Author

• Elinor Lipman on Every Tom, Dick, and Harry and Writing Inspiration

  In this episode, I chat with the beloved and prolific novelist Elinor Lipman about her latest book, Every Tom, Dick, and Harry. This humorous story follows Emma Lewis as she navigates taking over her parents' struggling estate sale business. Elinor shares insights into her writing process, overcoming writer's block, and finding inspiration from everyday experiences like estate sales. We also dive into her personal love story with Jonathan, a British art appraiser, and how her real-life experiences influence her work. Tune in to hear why Elinor believes in the power of polishing and being open to ideas. You can listen to this episode of Elena Meets the Author wherever you listen to podcasts. Please subscribe, and I look forward to seeing you in two weeks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:19 Inspiration and Writing Process04:36 Reading from the Book06:23 Personal Connections and Experiences13:35 Challenges and Surprises in Writing15:55 Research and Real-Life Influences22:19 Monetizing Jonathan: A Writer's Journey22:49 The Evolution of a Relationship25:29 Small Town Settings and Inspirations28:54 Writing Process and Challenges31:24 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations36:20 Daily Writing Routine38:4539:41 Collaborations and Events41:18 Final Thoughts and Farewells This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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• Exploring the Depths of Women's Fiction with Rochelle Weinstein

  In this episode of 'Elena Meets the Author,' Elena interviews Rochelle Weinstein, a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged women's fiction novels. Rochelle discusses her new book, 'We Are Made of Stars,' set in an idyllic inn in North Carolina and featuring a host of complex characters. She shares her journey from secretive journal writer to published author, the inspirations behind her characters and settings, and her approach to writing and building suspense. The episode concludes with insights into her future projects and book recommendations. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Meet Rochelle Weinstein 01:11 Synopsis of 'We Are Made of Stars' 02:15 Rochelle's Writing Journey 05:31 Themes and Inspirations 07:20 The Setting and Characters 11:14 Reading from Chapter One 24:48 Crafting Suspense and Future Projects 29:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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• Trailblazer of Journalism: Anastasia Rubis Talks About Her Novel Oriana

  In today’s episode, I sat down with Anastasia Rubis—who goes by Stacy—to dive into her debut novel, Oriana. In the book, Stacy chronicles the life of pioneering Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, whose fearless interviews with world leaders like Henry Kissinger, Gaddafi, and Golda Meir made her a trailblazer in journalism. I loved hearing Stacy read a compelling excerpt that perfectly captures Fallaci’s confrontational style with Kissinger.We explored everything from Fallaci’s unique approach to journalism and the challenges of balancing love and a demanding career, to how her childhood during World War II shaped her bravery. Stacy also shared her own journey of writing and publishing Oriana, her passion for bringing unsung female heroes to the forefront, and even compared Fallaci’s challenges with those faced by contemporaries like Barbara Walters.The episode wraps up with Stacy touching on her upcoming projects and the importance of persevering in the face of rejection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, creativity, and the power of storytelling.00:00 Introduction and Greetings01:56 Notable Interviews and Inauguration Day02:4808:08 Oriana's Fearless Interview Style12:30 Challenges and Triumphs of Oriana's Career19:29 Oriana's Revolutionary Reporting Style23:46 Discovering Oriana Falaci28:01 Writing and Publishing the Novel29:33 The Struggles of Publishing30:32 Advice for Aspiring Writers33:06 Oriana's Love Story37:41 Researching the Book39:33 The Book's Structure45:13 Future Projects and Historical Fiction47:09 The Legacy of Female Pioneers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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• Michael Cecchi's tales from the Front: A New York City Maître D's Journey

  In this episode, Elena interviews Michael Cecchi Azzolina, a seasoned New York City restaurant veteran with a career spanning 40 years at top Manhattan establishments. Michael discusses his experiences from the book 'Your Table is Ready,' which offers a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry during the 1980s Wall Street era. From touching stories about surviving the AIDS crisis and 9/11 to insights on restaurant dynamics and the art of service, Michael shares his journey from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to managing his own successful eatery. He also reveals the challenges and joys of working in restaurants, the significance of great service, and how he came to write his book. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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• Navigating Life from Behind the Door: Stephen Bruno on Building Material

  In this episode, Elena interviews Stephen Bruno, the author of 'Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman’. In this coming of age story, Stephen talks about how getting the doorman job helped break his downward spiral from gifted academic kid in the Bronx to selling chicken wings at a fast-food restaurant in the midwest. He also opens up about the upstairs downstairs shenanigans at an exclusive Park Avenue building in New York City.Stephen talks about his unique perspective from twenty years spent serving residents. And while one of the rules of being a doorman is don’t get too close to the residents, they don’t want to be your friend, Stephen did just that and it saved him during a dark time. He talks about how watching a documentary on American black playwright August Wilson reminded him of a core rule or writing. He shares insights into his upbringing in the Bronx, the rules and subtleties of being a doorman, and the challenges he faced both professionally and personally. Stephen’s authentic account delves into themes of identity, class, and the transformative power of storytelling.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:2807:21 Summer Guy: First Chapter Reading17:21 Challenges and Turning Points30:11 Struggles at Hunter College30:59 Experiences with Fellow Students32:37 Interactions with Residents34:33 The Bloom Family's Impact36:40 Overcoming Challenges in Writing44:49 Publishing Success and Reactions53:16 Future Plans and Aspirations54:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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