Tales with de Sales

What treasure can you find in West Yellowstone, Montana? Scientist-turned-writer Vijaya Bodach found a copy of her favorite tale in a used bookstore there. Science, wonder, and faith were central to our conversation, and she even reveals what stories do to our brains on an MRI. Stick around to the end where she shares her recipe for Mango Lassi!

This author of the Young Adult Novel "Bound", set in Pullman, Washington is a fellow graduate of Washington State University. Go Cougs!

The intersection of harpsichord, writing code, and care of the poor highlighted this episode. Carmela and I had a great conversation about how fiction changes us and the world we live in. We discuss her book, "Playing by Heart" at length.

Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent to a convent instead. Emilia’s only hope is to prove her musical talents crucial to her father’s quest for nobility. First, though, she must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. Too late, Emilia realizes that her success could threaten not only her dreams for her future but her sister’s very life.

Playing by Heart is inspired by two amazing sisters who were far ahead of their time: composer Maria Teresa Agnesi and mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi.

Where do James Baldwin, Exodus, and St Augustine meet? In this amazing conversation with Claude Atcho about his work, Reading Black Books: How African American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just, we discuss all of the above. You'll even get an answer to the riddle of what is the 4th most important virtue!

These novels pack a storytelling punch! Threads of history, faith, and romance weave a thought-provoking tapestry. You leave reading Camille's books a changed person. We discuss her contemporary novel "The Secret Place" as well as "Wings Like a Dove" which takes place in the 1930s.

Roseanna is committed to writing books with impact. As the editor of @WhitefirePublishing, she helps bring those stories that matter to readers. We had a great conversation about how Christians can put on a new lens to see others' (and their own) identity in Christ. Her latest novel Shadowed Loyalty, is available from @ChrismPress.

Dragons and dice and Slavic folklore, oh my! Andrew and I covered everything from P.G. Wodehouse to Brian Sanderson in this great conversation. We discover why folk tales touch the intellect in a unique way. Despite our best intentions, us writers can't help but pen ourselves into the story a bit, to include his debut work Thrice: Needle and Leaf Book 1.

What does it mean to anoint the imagination? How can vampires point us to holiness? These are hot topics of discussion as we dig into fairy tales and monsters with Karen Ullo.

Mara Faro is the author of "The Grace Crasher." We discuss the nature of love in a broken world as well as friendship among Christians of different types. Our open, honest conversation also covers what is at the heart of many writers; an obsession with office supplies.

Fiorella de Maria writes a broad variety of historical fiction and non-fiction. We discussed the importance of her novel "Poor Banished Children," (Ignatius Press) not only for it's historical significance, but in bringing light to issues of modern human trafficking. She even tells us why Catholic women like her are in the business of delving into mystery and gothic literature.

Maya's debut novel,  "The City Mother" from Chrism Press, tells the tale of an unexpected hero. Cara, a homemaker and mother of small children battles forces both interior and exterior in her journey. Will she be victorious? Our conversation ranges widely but we want the listeners and readers to know one thing. When you feel isolated and alone, we SEE you!

What a joy it was to chat with Patricia! We geeked out on G.K. Chesterton and The Chosen, and gushed over local businesses and libraries. She's a fascinating gal that I am glad to now call a friend. She has a fantastic audiobook for her latest mystery, "Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker" available now.

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Eleanor and I had a marvelous time discussing everything from Dickens to Tolkien, diaper contents to Thriller dance parties. Her latest Gothic novel, Brother Wolf, from Chrism Press, was a delicious read. I hope you enjoy this time with her as much as I did.

I am so pleased to introduce you to Annette. She was kind enough to virtually join us from Australia! The richness of this episode is astounding. From poetry to novels, philosophy to history, we discussed it all. She's one of those authors you'd love to have over for coffee.

Carrie was crackin' open the books left and right. We had a ball digging deep into some of the classics, and enjoyed our conversations regarding the conversions of literature and life. She is the author of Rosefire and a founding member of Bandersnatch Books, a new publishing company aimed at sharing works that are good, true, and beautiful.

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Carolyn Astfalk is a Contemporary Romance Author. Her novel All In Good Time earned an honorable mention at the 2020 Catholic Press Association Book Awards. As president of the Catholic Writers Guild, she encourages other writers and authors to elevate their craft and reach their publication goals. Her Christmas love story, Ornamental Graces, is a great holiday read!

Karina Fabian is a sci-fi author, wife, mother, veteran, and hilarious person. We had a great time with this wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to...mummified chicken. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! 

Find more of Karina's work below.

Rhonda Ortiz is a historical romance author and founding editor of Chrism Press. We explore the world of Colonial Boston from her book "In Pieces", discuss Jane Austen, and...spiders.