017: Behind the Scenes with Bestselling Author with Fiona Davis
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. Known for her historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, Fiona delves into her latest book, 'The Spectacular,' set at Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s. We discuss the research and inspiration behind her stories, including interviews with former Rockettes, the significance of historical landmarks, and the challenges of blending fact with fiction. Fiona shares insights from her journalism background and offers advice to aspiring historical fiction writers. Our episode also touches...
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011: Identity, Branding, and Innovation in Writing with Ben Purkert
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Ben Purkert, a celebrated author known for his debut novel 'The Men Can't Be Saved'. We discuss the themes of self-worth and identity in the context of job loss, drawing from the experiences of the novel's main character, Seth. Ben shares insights into the impact of branding and professional identity on individuals, his transition from poetry to novel writing, and the importance of embracing different genres and activities to foster creativity. The episode also touches on the challenges writers face in defining themselves as authors,...
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009: A Glimpse Inside Publishing's Secret World with Carly Watters
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, Carly Waters, a literary agent, talks about the multifaceted aspects of her work and insights into the publishing industry. Carly discusses her daily life balancing roles as a literary agent, podcast host, and writer. She emphasizes her commitment to educating authors about the industry and how every week brings new, varied tasks. Carly also touches on her client list, which is evenly divided between fiction and non-fiction, detailing her approach to working with clients, from managing submissions to addressing authors' anxieties. The discussion further gets...
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006: Influencer Marketing & Booktok with Tom Stefanuik
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, Tom Stefanuik, founder of SmallScreen, a global influencer management agency, joins me to talk about booktok and influencer marketing. Tom shares his journey starting with making YouTube videos in 2013, gradually building an audience and turning his passion into a full-time career. He discusses how content creation became a source of income, the importance of authenticity in the influencer space, and the shift in brand partnerships towards being more intentional and personal. He reflects on the power of reading and how it can influence one's...
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004: Combining Entertainment Writing and Authorship with Rachel McRady
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, I sit down with Rachel McRady, an Emmy award-winning writer and editor for Entertainment Tonight, discussing her debut novel, 'Sun Seekers'. She shares about the inspiration drawn from her own family's experiences with dementia and how she interweaves her personal, professional, and creative worlds. Rachel also talks about her unique marketing approach for her book, blending her interests in entertainment and pop culture pleasures with serious and sensitive issues portrayed in her book. Connect with Rachel Website: Instagram: Book: Connect with...
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003: Reading Will Change Your Life with Steve Clair
Open Book
In this chapter of Open Book, I sit down with one of my favorite fellow book enthusiasts, Steve Clair, known as the 'Millennial Broker', a brand builder, and founder of NDOband. Steve discusses his dedication to fostering relationships, continual growth, and helping others realize their goals. He also mentions his podcast, 'The Self Starters Show', and their network events as platforms to connect and educate others. Steve shares how he got started on reading and how it changed his perspective on self-improvement, crediting his late friend, Dave, for encouraging him to delve into...
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002: The Author’s Journey with Kristy Woodson Harvey
Open Book
In this episode of Open Book, bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey discusses her journey as a writer. She has over ten novels to her name and has received several accolades including the Lucy Bromlett Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. She shares her experience about hitting the New York Times best selling author list, the role of digital platforms such as blogs and social media in promoting her work, collaborating with fellow authors in her 'Friends and Fiction' web show and podcast, and the importance of building and maintaining an email list. Kristy shows...
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001: Building a Personal Brand as an Author: Steps towards Engaging and Nurturing Your Community
Open Book
Welcome to the Open Book Podcast Chapter One! In this episode, we will dive into the world of social media for authors. As an author, it’s important to go beyond the bookshelf and connect with your readers on a daily basis. In this very first episode, we will explore why authors should embrace social media and how it can elevate their name and build notoriety with readers. Thank you for joining me in this introductory episode of the Open Book Podcast. For more in-depth discussions and valuable insights, continue following our sub-stack, blog, social media content, and newsletter. Stay...
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Trailer | Welcome to Open Book
Open Book
Dear fellow book enthusiast, join us as we explore the pathways to literary success and celebrate the magic of books together. Open Book, a weekly podcast hosted by Jessica Sorentino, highlights insightful discussions, expert interviews, and insider secrets that ensures your book goes beyond the bookshelf, to where readers are—on social media. You will not only learn how to publish your book, but you’ll also discover new ways to promote your book and connect to literary lovers, all while owning who you are as an author. Whether you're an aspiring author eager to unlock the...
info_outlineIn this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. Known for her historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, Fiona delves into her latest book, 'The Spectacular,' set at Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s. We discuss the research and inspiration behind her stories, including interviews with former Rockettes, the significance of historical landmarks, and the challenges of blending fact with fiction. Fiona shares insights from her journalism background and offers advice to aspiring historical fiction writers. Our episode also touches on memorable reader interactions and Fiona's recent audiobook novella, 'The Gimlet Flip,' co-written with Greg Wands.
Connect with Fiona
Website: https://www.fionadavisbooks.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fionadavisauthor
Book: The Spectacular
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com