Step into the world of stories with A Literal Journey, a weekly podcast/show hosted by author Seth Adam Smith. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with beloved and emerging authors about reading, writing, and the stories that shape who we become. In every episode, Seth talks to authors about the stories that sparked their love for storytelling, their path of writing and publishing, and the lessons they've learned on their own "literal journey." Because, in the end, we don't just tell stories, we become the stories we tell ourselves.So whether you’re a reader searching for your next favorite boo...
Latest episodes
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57 min
The Magic of Writing ✨Alyssa Palombo on Creativity, Research, & The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
In today's episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with bestselling author (and Renaissance woman!), Alyssa Palombo and chat about her books: The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel,…
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57 min
“What Is This Magic That Is a Book?” 📚 Nancy Tandon’s Journey From Speech Therapy to Storytelling
Author Nancy Tandon joins Seth Adam Smith on A LITERAL JOURNEY to talk about the inspiration behind her books, The Way I Say It, The Ghost of Spruce Point, and The Haunting of Walk…
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1 h 07
The Headless Horseman Was REAL? 🎃 J. W. Ocker on the History and Mystery of Sleepy Hollow
“You could trace the route that Ichabod Crane flees from the Headless Horseman step by step in Sleepy Hollow right now.” -J. W. OckerIn this LEGENDARY episode of A Literal Journey,…
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1 h 10
The Rewrite That Changed EVERYTHING 📝 Megan E. Freeman on Alone and The Secret to Belonging
In this incredible episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author, Megan E. Freeman to talk about her books Alone, Away, Afar, and The Secret to Be…
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60 min
Write a Bit of Yourself on the Page 📝 Author Greg Howard on Grief, Hope, and Writing The Travelers
In this inspiring episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Greg Howard, author of The Whispers, The Visitors, and The Travelers (and so much more!), and talk about his journey…
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58 min
Write In A Parking Lot (If You Must!) 🎃 D. W. Gillespie on The Dollhouse and The Monsters Among Us
In this wonderfully eerie episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with horror author D. W. Gillespie, to explore childhood fears, Halloween magic, and the persistence it has taken…
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48 min
Maybe The Answer Is Under Your Socks? 🧦 Jacqueline West on Writing The Books of Elsewhere & Black Point
How do you learn what is your heart is TRULY hungry for?In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Jacqueline West, the New York Times bestselling author of The Books of…
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58 min
Our Lives Are ALL of the Genres 📚 An Interview with Fantasy Author Allison Anderson
You may write alone, but according to author Allison Anderson, you can’t write a book by yourself...In this funny and thoughtful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with fanta…
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48 min
Patience Is Walking Forward With Hope 👣 Kaela Rivera on The Hungry Forest and Cece Rios
When our dreams *refuse* to arrive on OUR schedule, patience isn’t simply waiting—it's “walking forward with hope.”In this inspiring (and hilarious!) episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY,…
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42 min
The Hero's Journey of George Washington ★ Screenwriter Diederik Hoogstraten on YOUNG WASHINGTON
Hardship didn't destroy George Washington...it forged him.In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Diederik Hoogstraten, the screenwriter behind Young Washington, and…
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39 min
Why Fairy Tales Still Matter 📖✨ Emma C. Fox on Stories, Tolkien & Writing Historical Fantasy
The BEST stories don't just entertain us... they remind us of what's TRUE.In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, award-winning author Emma C. Fox shares how an old copy of The Hobbi…
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36 min
Don't Write A "Perfect" Book (Write An Honest One) 📚 C. M. Cornwell on Writing The Memory Spinner
The best stories don't have to be "perfect"—they just have to be honest...In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, author C.M. Cornwell shares the winding path that led to her novel,…
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1 h 01
Who Are We Becoming? 🕯️ Emily Bain Murphy on Lightseekers, Writing, and Finding Hope and Beauty
“There’s so much beauty in the world and in our lives if we have the eyes to see it.” -Emily Bain MurphyIn this meaning-FILLED episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Emily B…
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37 min
Find Your Weirdos 📚 Mary Averling on The Curse of Eelgrass Bog and The Burn Beast
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Mary Averling, the award-winning author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay, and the The Burn Beast, for…
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40 min
Finding Hope and Magic in the Gulag ✨ Cristin Williams on Russian History and The Whisper of Stars
When the world feels dark, cruel, and dehumanizing, a good story can help us hold onto hope... In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Cristin Williams, a…
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44 min
Revision Is Where The Magic Happens 📝 Janette Rallison (and C. J. Hill) on Writing Across Genres
“And remember that revisions is where the magic happens. That’s where you’re taking that … piece of coal and turning it into a diamond.” -Janette RallisonIn this thoughtful and fun…
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44 min
Writing Through Chaos 📖 Joan Reardon on Critical Thinking and The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters
This episode is for people who struggle creating something meaningful *especially* when life feels chaotic and uncertain...In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit do…
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59 min
Write What Fascinates You 📚 Stuart Gibbs on Spy School, FunJungle, and Writing An Adventurous Life
Most writers are told to “write what you know.” Stuart Gibbs encourages authors to write what fascinates them...In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with be…
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1 h 08
Creating Magical and Mysterious Worlds 📚 Ben Guterson on Reading, Writing & the Winterhouse Series
The best stories begin with a little bit of mystery...In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY (easily one of my favorites 🤫), I sit down with Ben Guterson, author of the bestselling W…
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50 min
Telling Stories from History 📚 Heather B. Moore on Writing and The Paper Daughters of Chinatown
How does a bestselling author turn history into unforgettable novels?In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore…