Bi-weekly podcast
3 Award-Winning California Authors
Experience romance in San Diego, surreal adventure in the desert, and wilderness wisdom in the High Sierra with three award-winning writers
Bi-weekly podcast
Experience romance in San Diego, surreal adventure in the desert, and wilderness wisdom in the High Sierra with three award-winning writers
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks with three writers whose deep ties to the Golden State shine through in their written works.
First up, Johnson speaks with San Diego–based Alana Quintana Albertson about her latest novel, Kiss Me, Mi Amor. Albertson discusses how the Golden State’s diverse settings provide endless inspiration for her many romance novels. “I really use setting as a character, and I was contrasting La Jolla and Barrio Logan and different communities,” says Albertson. Albertson also shares a few sneak peaks of her upcoming works and names some of her top San Diego County spots for coffee, tacos, and books.
Next, Johnson is joined by Melissa Broder, author of the mystical desert tale Death Valley. The Los Angeles author and poet recounts how a traumatic personal experience in the California desert inspired her latest novel. “I was just going to Zabriskie Point where nobody—it's a very touristy area—nobody ever gets lost there. I got completely lost and did everything you're not supposed to do,” Broder recalls. She tops off the conversation by sharing her favorite local boutiques, restaurants, and hiking trails.
Lastly, Johnson talks with South Lake Tahoe–based memoirist and poet Suzanne Roberts. The Almost Somewhere author recounts her experience hiking the John Muir Trail: “Those 28 days taught me that there is more than one view of nature, that nature is a place where we should be connecting and not conquering.” The experienced outdoorswoman also builds an itinerary for both a laid-back and action-packed winter weekend in her hometown.
Alana Quintana Albertson, author of the Love & Tacos book series
Melissa Broder, author of Death Valley, Milk Fed, The Pisces
Suzanne Roberts, author of Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail
Alana Quintana Albertson is a San Diego–based romance author and writing teacher who has written 33 novels.
UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Melissa Broder is an L.A.-based novelist, poet, and essayist. She’s written three novels, including her latest, Death Valley.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Suzanne Roberts is a freelance writer, memoirist, and poet based in South Lake Tahoe.
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley (formerly Wilder Resort)
Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.
Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos
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Get ready to explore The Ultimate Playground!