Tantorious

Scott Thorson interview - Tantorious episode 72

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:23:53 PDT

Scott Thorson was the longtime companion of celebrity entertainer Liberace, whom he met as a teenager. Originally published in 1988, Thorson’s book, “Behind the Candelabra: My Life With Liberace,” is being updated and reissued in print, ebook, and audiobook editions by Tantor Media. An HBO movie based on the book, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, is set to release in May. In this exclusive interview, Thorson explains why Liberace insisted on hiding his homosexuality.

Jen Kirkman interview - Tantorious episode 71

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:21:32 PDT

Jen Kirkman is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for the award-winning short series Drunk History on HBO. She has two comedy albums, Self-Help and Hail to the Freaks, and writes for and appears on E!'s Chelsea Lately and After Lately (with Chelsea Handler). In her book, “I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales from a Happy Life Without Kids,” Kirkman defends her decision to not have children, providing a beacon of hope to anyone whose major life decisions have been questioned by their family and friends. In this exclusive interview, Kirkman talks about narrating her own audio edition.

Erika Robuck interview - Tantorious episode 70

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:19:05 PDT

Erika Robuck is the author of three novels, including Hemingway’s Girl and Call Me Zelda, and is a member of the Hemingway Society and the Historical Novel Society. She is a contributor to the popular fiction blog Writer Unboxed, and she maintains her own blog, Muse. In this exclusive interview, Robuck explains how she came to write novels about literary figures.

Kim Ghattas interview - Tantorious episode 69

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:16:20 PDT

Kim Ghattas has been the BBC's State Department Radio and TV correspondent since 2008. Her work has also been published in TIME magazine, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Washington Post. Her new book, The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton from Beirut to the Heart of American Power, is the first inside account to be published about Hillary Clinton's time as secretary of state. In this exclusive interview, Ghattas reveals what the public doesn't know about Secretary Clinton.

Thomas Perry interview - Tantorious episode 68

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:13:56 PDT

Thomas Perry is the author of many critically acclaimed novels, including the Edgar Award–winning The Butcher's Boy and its sequel, Sleeping Dogs; the five-volume Jane Whitefield series; and the national bestsellers Death Benefits and Pursuit. His new novel, The Boyfriend, follows retired homicide detective Jack Till as he attempts to find the ruthless killer responsible for a string of murders across the country. In this exclusive interview, Perry explains why he chose to write about the world of online escorts.

Jonny Bowden interview - Tantorious episode 67

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:09:01 PDT

Jonny Bowden (aka "The Rogue Nutritionist") is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition and health. He is a board-certified nutritionist with a master’s degree in psychology and the author of nine books on health, healing, food and longevity. His new book, THE GREAT CHOLESTEROL MYTH (Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease--and the Statin-Free Plan That Will) written with Dr. Stephen Sinatra, reveals the real culprits of the disease and gives listeners expert advice for effectively preventing, managing, and reversing heart disease. In this exclusive interview, Bowden explains why cholesterol isn't the culprit--and what is.

Gwen Cooper interview - Tantorious episode 66

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:51:00 PST

Gwen Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Homer's Odyssey and the novel Diary of a South Beach Party Girl. Her new book, the novel Love Saves the Day, is told through the eyes of the family cat. In this exclusive interview, Cooper explains why special felines are central to her stories.

Pamela Clare interview - Tantorious episode 65

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:48:09 PST

Pamela Clare began her writing career as a columnist and investigative reporter. She is the author of historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense novels. In this exclusive interview, she talks about the special relationship she has with her fans - and the special relationship they have with the narrator of her I-Team series audiobooks.

Ashley Prentice Norton interview - Tantorious episode 64

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:42:58 PST

Ashley Prentice Norton is a graduate of Exeter, Georgetown, and the Creative Writing Program at New York University. The Chocolate Money is her first novel. In this exclusive interview, she explains why her background as a Rockefeller is relevant to the story of an heiress and her sensitive young daughter.

Scott Hutchins interview - Tantorious episode 63

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:39:29 PST

Scott Hutchins teaches at Stanford University. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, and elsewhere. A Working Theory of Love is his first novel. In this exclusive interview, Hutchins explains why artificial intelligence plays such an important role in the story.

Ken Jennings interview - Tantorious episode 62

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:35:15 PST

Ken Jennings is best known as the winner of 74 games on the TV show Jeopardy! He is also the bestselling author of Maphead, Brainiac, and Ken Jennings's Trivia Almanac. His new book, Because I Said So!, reveals the truth behind the myths, tales, and warnings every generation passes down to its kids. In this exclusive interview, Jennings explains why he decided to look into these intriguing do's and don'ts.

Tim O'Brien interview - Tantorious episode 61

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:31:18 PST

Tim O'Brien received the 1979 National Book Award in fiction for Going After Cacciato. His other works include the acclaimed novels The Things They Carried; July, July; and In the Lake of the Woods. Written before Going After Cacciato, If I Die in a Combat Zone (Box Me Up and Ship Me Home) is an intensely personal account of O'Brien's year as a foot soldier in Vietnam. In this exclusive interview, O'Brien explains why this book remains relevant 40 years later.

Franz Douskey interview - Tantorious episode 60

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:25:31 PST

Franz Douskey's work has appeared in over 200 publications including The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The Nation, New York Quarterly, Las Vegas Life, and the Minnesota Review. His new book, Sinatra and Me: The Very Good Years, is based on extensive interviews with Tony Consiglio, who was Frank Sinatra's friend and confidant for over 60 years. In this exclusive interview, Douskey explains how he got Tony, who Sinatra had nicknamed "the Clam," to open up. Sinatra and Me is available in print, ebook, and audiobook editions from Tantor Media.

Robert Graysmith interview - Tantorious episode 59

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:26:59 PST

Robert Graysmith is the New York Times bestselling author of a number of true crime books, including The Sleeping Lady, Auto Focus, and Zodiac, the last two of which were made into major motion pictures. A San Francisco Chronicle political cartoonist and artist for 15 years, Graysmith lives in San Francisco. His new book, Black Fire: The True Story of the Original Tom Sawyer and of the Mysterious Fires That Baptized Gold Rush-era San Francisco, is a harrowing account of the hunt for a serial arsonist. In this exclusive interview, Graysmith explains why he was attracted to the story.

Brian McGrory interview - Tantorious episode 58

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:20:18 PST

Brian McGrory is a longtime newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist. Born and raised in and around Boston, he has written for and edited the Boston Globe since 1989. He has a twice weekly column and is the author of four novels. His new book, Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a (Family) Man, is a heartwarming and wise tale of finding love in life's second chapter. In this exclusive interview, McGrory recounts how he and Buddy finally resolved their differences.

Chris Ballard interview - Tantorious episode 57

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:15:28 PST

Chris Ballard is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated and was a 2012 National Magazine Award finalist. His new book, One Shot at Forever: A Small Town, an Unlikely Coach, and a Magical Baseball Season, tells the inspirational story of a high school baseball team from rural Illinois in 1971. In this exclusive interview, Chris explains why he decided to write this book 40 years later.

David Cay Johnston interview - Tantorious episode 56

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:02:33 PST

David Cay Johnston is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He often appears in the media as an expert on economics and tax issues. His new book, The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use Plain English to Rob You Blind, is a shocking analysis of the many ways everyday people are systematically victimized by powerful corporations. In this exclusive interview, Johnston explains how companies rip off consumers.

Wayne Simmons interview - Tantorious episode 55

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:56:53 PST

Born in Belfast, Ireland, Wayne Simmons is the author of the horror novels Doll Parts, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Flu, and Fever. He has also written reviews for various online magazines. In this exclusive interview, Wayne describes the influences that led him to the horror genre.

Tatjana Soli interview - Tantorious episode 54

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:54:20 PST

Tatjana Soli's debut novel, The Lotus Eaters, was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2011 James Tait Black Prize. Her new book, The Forgetting Tree, is a breathtaking story about the members of a California ranching family, their complicated matriarch, and the enigmatic caretaker who may destroy them. In this exclusive interview, Soli explains what her two novels have in common.

Sean Pratt interview - Tantorious episode 53

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:50:46 PST

Sean Pratt has been a working actor for over 25 years. He was a company member at the Pearl Theatre, an Off-Broadway classical repertory company, and has also performed at numerous regional theaters around the country. Sean has also appeared in major films and held supporting roles on hit television shows. He has narrated for 16 years and teaches classes and writes articles about the business of the Biz. His book, To Be or Wanna Be: The Top Ten Differences Between a Successful Actor and a Starving Artist, is a primer for the beginning actor. In this exclusive interview, Sean recounts how he finally took responsibility for his acting career.

Gene Robinson interview - Tantorious episode 52

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:46:24 PST

Bishop Gene Robinson was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and received his Master of Divinity degree at the General Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained deacon and then priest, and in 2003 was elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. He is the first openly gay person in that role. He is also an author, and his new book is God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage. In this exclusive interview, Bishop Robinson recounts how he became the world's leading religious spokesperson for same-sex marriage.

Joyce Johnson interview - Tantorious episode 51

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:41:21 PST

Joyce Johnson is a memoirist and novelist whose books include the recent Missing Men and the National Book Critics Circle Award-winner Minor Characters, about her relationship with legendary Beat writer Jack Kerouac. Her newest book, The Voice Is All: The Lonely Victory of Jack Kerouac, is a groundbreaking portrait of the artist's early years. In this exclusive interview, Johnson recalls her early years with Kerouac and explains why she wrote this book now.

Andrew Shaffer interview - Tantorious episode 50

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:58:05 PDT

Fifty Shames of Earl Grey is a shrewd, laugh-out-loud parody of E. L. James’s Fifty Shades of Grey, the bestselling novel (and now triology) that everyone is talking about -- to the exclusion of all else. The parody is written by Fanny Merkin, actually the pseudonym of Andrew Shaffer, who reviews romance, erotica, and women’s fiction for RT Book Reviews magazine. The audiobook edition is read by actress Allyson Ryan. Shaffer and Ryan discuss the pleasures and perils of parody, in this exclusive interview.

Tinsley Mortimer interview - Tantorious episode 49

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:54:34 PDT

Tinsley Mortimer grew up in Virginia, is a graduate of Columbia University, and lives in New York City. She has been featured on the pages of Vogue, WWD, and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as in celebrity publications and on TV. Her first novel, Southern Charm, has been described as “a champagne cocktail of fashion, society, and big city fame, served by a chic Southern belle determined to charm Manhattan.” In this exclusive interview, Tinsley reveals how much of herself she put into her main character, Minty Davenport.

Dr. Robert L. Wolke interview - Tantorious episode 48

ahoving@tantor.com (Allan Hoving) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:51:22 PDT

Robert L. Wolke, a professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, is an award-winning food columnist for the Washington Post. He is also coauthor, with his wife, noted food writer Marlene Parrish, of What Einstein Didn't Know and other What Einstein books explaining everday science, from the physics of snow to the chemistry of coffee to the mathematics of sunblock.