Tag Archives: Ozarks

E151: Interview with Sean Jacques, author of Doe Run

November 8, 2024Author Interviewdoe run, missouri, Ozarks, sean jacques, shotgun honey, southern fiction, southern noirtopshelfatmerricklibrary

For this episode I sat down with author Sean Jacques to talk about his fiction debut, Doe Run. Author Eli Cranor says, “Sean Jacques knows the heart of the Ozarks, and puts that knowledge on full display in this sweltering debut. Doe Run burns slow like good bourbon. Drink up.” Doe Run by Sean Jacques features a desperate drifter on the run, Pen Cullen, who reluctantly returns home after a thirteen-year absence for the sole reason to pick up a family inheritance. He gets more than he bargains for and begs the question, “Can you go home again?”

In this episode, Sean Jacques takes us behind the scenes of his creative journey, sharing insights into writing screenplays, the inspiration behind Doe Run, and his approach to crafting compelling characters. From the spark that ignited his passion for storytelling to the intricacies of character development, Sean’s perspective is both enlightening and inspiring. I absolutely loved diving into Doe Run—thank you, Sean, for joining me!

Grab your copy of Doe Run right here.

Sean Jacques recommends: The Crucible by Arthur Miller; the works of Scott Phillips; the works of Daniel Woodrell; White Jazz by James Elroy; Heat: The Movie

Also recommended are the works of Peter Farris; Meagan Lucas; Tiffany Quaye Tyson; James Wade; Suzanne Crain Miller; Eli Cranor; Mark Westmoreland; Henry Wise; Scott Blackburn; and the one and only S.A. Cosby!

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Episode 148: Interview with Eli Cranor, author of Broiler

July 31, 2024Author InterviewArkansas, broiler, Don't Know Tough, Eli Cranor, Ozark Dogs, Ozarks, Soho Crime, Soho Press, southern crime, southern fiction, southern noirtopshelfatmerricklibrary

“This gripping, gritty noir is Upton Sinclair on hormones, the Coen brothers deep-fried.” ~ –Minneapolis Star Tribune about Broiler by Eli Cranor

Eli Cranor’s third book, Broiler, is another edge-of-your-seat noir thriller that exposes the dark, bloody heart of life on the margins in the American South and the bleak underside of a bygone American Dream. I was thrilled to host him for the third time to talk about his brand new book. In this episode, Eli shares his deep personal connection to Broiler. He opens up about the inspiration he draws from his family, the influence of his students, dives into his unique writing process, and explains how this story stands apart from his previous works. But that’s not all! Eli also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which promises to be quite a departure from his usual style. And for all you sports fans, we couldn’t resist talking a bit of college football! Tune in for an engaging and inspiring conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

Eli joined us for Episode 87 and for Episode 120, if you want to catch up on either of those! Place your holds here for all Eli Cranor’s books. Thanks so much again, Eli!

Eli Cranor recommends: Holy City by Henry Wise; Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The work of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Follow Eli Cranor on social media: @elicranor

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E120: Interview with Eli Cranor, author of Ozark Dogs

March 30, 2023Author InterviewArkansas, Don't Know Tough, Eli Cranor, Ozark Dogs, Ozarks, Soho Crime, southern crime, Thrillertopshelfatmerricklibrary

“A feud between Arkansas families escalates with the fury of Greek tragedy. Family loyalty, young love, honoring the dead—they’re all here, and they all go terribly wrong in Ozark Dogs.” –Kirkus

Eli Cranor joined me for Episode 87 to talk about his gripping debut, Don’t Know Tough, and for this episode he joins me to talk about his brand new book, Ozark Dogs. Once again, Eli’s book hits all the must-read lists and it’s easy to see why: in this Southern thriller, two families grapple with the aftermath of a murder in their small Arkansas town. I devoured Ozark Dogs in two days – it’s fantastic. Give a listen to our conversation. Thanks so much to Eli Cranor for joining me once again!

Eli Cranor recommends: Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper; Five Decembers by James Kestrel; The Hunt by Kelly Jo Ford; The Good Ones by Polly Stewart; The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames; How Children Succeed by Paul Tough; the works of Alex Taylor; the works of Walter Tevis

Follow Eli Cranor on Twitter: @elicranor. Reserve copies of both of Eli’s books here.

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