What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? Named 2026 Podcast of the Year

I’m honored to share that American Writing Awards named What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? the 2026 Podcast of the Year in its category.

When COVID hit in 2021, my first murder mystery, Tangled Lies, came out. There were no book signings. No library visits. No book club gatherings. Like so many authors, I suddenly lost the opportunity to connect face-to-face with readers.

If that was happening to me, I knew it was happening to others.

So, I started a podcast.

The idea was simple: create a space for authors to share their work, struggles, inspiration, and recommend books they love. And readers could enjoy connecting with authors and discover their next favorite read. Over time, it became more than interviews. It became a community.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of extraordinary writers across genres–debut authors and bestsellers alike–about what they’re reading, what they’re writing, and why stories matter.

In naming my show Podcast of the Year in its category, the American Writing Awards cited its “excellence in storytelling, creativity, production quality, and impact.” I’m deeply grateful for that recognition–and especially mindful that it reflects the remarkable authors who have trusted me with their stories.

I remain, foremost, a novelist. But this podcast has allowed me to celebrate the broader literary world and to amplify voices who deserve to be heard.

To every author who joined me, and every listener who tuned in–thank you.

We’ll keep going.