Bestselling cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins Patty Grasher on Northwest Book Talk to share how a simple idea blossomed into the beloved Ashland Mystery Fest, now attracting readers and writers from around the world.

Ellie talks about balancing festival planning with her writing career, the power of community partnerships, and how immersive, reader-driven events deepen the connection between authors and fans.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Oregon’s most charming literary celebrations — and inspiration for anyone who loves mysteries, books, and the Pacific Northwest.

🎧 Listen now on Northwest Book Talk and discover what makes the Ashland Mystery Fest a must-attend event for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Patty talks with mystery author Caren Hahn about what really works—and what doesn’t—when authors attend live book events.

Caren shares insights from her first author conference, discovering that not all events attract readers, and the importance of clear pricing and presentation.

Together, they explore how authors can build deeper reader relationships, manage event costs, and collaborate with others for better exposure.

Caren also reveals her favorite event tools—from tall banners to QR codes—and how small, focused gatherings often lead to the most meaningful connections.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, host Patty Grasher talks with Jordan Fitch, author of NoTown and The Cardinal Line, about how live events can transform the way authors connect with readers.

Jordan shares his experiences of meeting new readers at live events, small, large and inbetween. The importance of making real connections, and why in-person events remains a powerful part of building his author platform.

🎧 Tune in to discover how signing books at his favorite bar started his live event journey.

An exciting episode on Northwest Book Talk that guides new authors to find joy in their writing with clear actionionable steps to avoid confusion and overwhelm.

Step back in time with Northwest Book Talk as author and historian Martin Middlewood shares stories from his new book, Hidden History of Pearson Field.

Discover why Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington is considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfield and how it shaped the aviation history of the Pacific Northwest.

From the golden age of flight to daring pilots like Silas Christofferson and Tex Rankin, and even connections to Amelia Earhart, Middlewood reveals the fascinating people and events that made Pearson Field a landmark in Clark County history.

Whether you’re a fan of local history, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about hidden stories in the Pacific Northwest, this conversation brings Pearson Field’s legacy to life.

Award-winning fantasy author Dawn Shipman joins us on Northwest Book Talk to explore her magical world of strong heroines, rich mythology, and heartfelt adventures.

From her lifelong love of horses and storytelling to the epic journey behind The Lost Stones of Argonia, Dawn shares her creative process and inspirations.

Tune in for a conversation full of imagination, wisdom, and a touch of Pacific Northwest charm.

Join us as Christian historical fiction author Kendy Pearson shares how her faith and love of history intertwine to shape powerful, redemptive stories.

From strong female protagonists to richly researched settings, Kendy brings the past to life with heart and purpose.

Discover her writing journey, creative insights, and the message of hope woven through every page.

In this episode of Northwest Book Talk, we’re divinginto the charming and twist-filled world of cozy mysteries with author Paula Charles. A fresh and engaging voice on the cozy mystery scene, Paula brings small-town charm, quirky characters, and page-turning puzzles to life in her HomeTown Hardware Mysteries. Writing also under the pen name Jana Rollins, she takes readers on a more meditative but equally mysterious path with her Zen Goat Mystery Series.

Tune in as we chat about her writing journey, herinspirations from growing up in a small town, and what it’s like launching notone but two series filled with cozy intrigue and heartwarming fun.

Find more information about Paula Charles at NorthwestBookTalk.comto discover her books, website, socials and the answers to a number of follow-up questions after the interview.