Tag Archives: relationships

Episode 183: Interview with Gary Goldstein, author of Canine Custody

October 23, 2026Author Interviewcanine custody, custody battle, divorce, dogs, fiction, gary goldstein, please come to boston, relationships, separation, the last birthday party, the mother i never hadTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

What happens after thirteen years of marriage when the little annoyances get to too big to overcome? There’s one question left to answer: Who gets the dog? That’s the conundrum Layla, Franklin, and their beloved dog, Betty, face in Gary Goldstein’s latest novel, Canine Custody. Our couple find themselves in quite the pickle as they navigate the serious and often all-too-relatable challenges of love, marriage, and separation. Told from three points of view: Layla, Franklin, and Betty herself, Canine Custody is a heartfelt and often humorous story about the modern day realities of marriage. Betty’s perspective may just be the most entertaining of all.

Returning guest Gary Goldstein talks about that and more than just the inspiration for Canine Custody. In the episode, he shares writing tips, character development, crafting a script vs. screenplay vs. novel, and shares some amazing book recommendations. Don’t miss this interview and don’t miss Canine Custody, a book filled with wry humor that balances the all too series problems faced in modern day marriages. It’s on shelves now. Thank you so much for joining me Gary, as always.

Gary Goldstein recommends: Before I Forget by Tori Henwood Hoen; Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan; Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta; Whistler by Ann Patchett; The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout; the works of Susan Walter.

Follow along with all things Gary Goldstein right here!

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E131: Interview with Erin Flanagan, author of Come With Me

September 6, 2023Author Interviewblackout, come with me, dear season, erin flanagan, relationships, thomas and mercer, thrillersTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“I try to make my characters as smart as they can be…” so says Edgar Award winning author Erin Flanagan in this episode. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Erin to talk about her latest thriller, Come With Me. Author Liz Alterman says, “Come With Me is a roller-coaster ride that will have you holding your breath until the final page.” Indeed! We also chat about Erin’s Edgar winning book Deer Season, her short stories, her marvelous writer friends and more. Thank you Erin!

Erin Flanagan recommends: Prom Mom by Laura Lippman; Yellowface by R. F. Kuang; I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai; Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott; The Good Girl House by Erin Flanagan (please scroll down on that landing page to find the story). Place your hold here for all Erin Flanagan titles!

Follow Erin on Instagram and Twitter: @erinlflanagan

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E126: Interview with Steven Rowley author of The Celebrants

June 21, 2023Author Interviewfriendships, G P Putnam & Sons, grief, humor, relationships, Steven Rowley, The Celebrants, The GuncleTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Anytime I host Steven Rowley there’s plenty to celebrate and this episode is no different! We celebrate Steven’s magical year: winning the 2022 Thurber Prize for American Humor for The Guncle, being a Read With Jenna Pick, once again making it onto the NYT bestseller list (this time for The Celebrants), and sharing a publication date with his amazing author husband, Byron Lane. We talk about all that and more in this terrific episode.Thank you for joining me once again Steven!

Steven Rowley recommends: Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane; A Star is Bored by Byron Lane. Click here to reserve your copy of The Celebrants and all Steven Rowley titles!

Listen to E62 as Steven and I talk about his Thurber Prize winner, The Guncle.