“I like your tie. What’s the story behind it?” I asked John.

“I found it in a secondhand shop on Broadway. It’s hand-painted,” he replied.

“It shows a butterfly trapped in a spider’s web. I’m the butterfly trapped in Morris Levy’s web. I’m going to wear it during the trial.”

This is one of many fascinating conversations that transpired between John Lennon—yes, THAT John Lennon—and my next guest at CRAFT, Jay Bergen. The lawyer-turned-author is joining me to discuss his book, Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer: The Untold Story. I know I am just giddy at the thought of picking Jay’s brain about what it was like to represent one of the most well known musicians and activists of our time.

It all takes place at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar. The mixologists will, as always, come up with a specially crafted cocktail for the occasion, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe will be on hand to sell Jay’s amazing book, and Jay will around to sign your copies and regale us all with his amazing stories. Join us!

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

This ticketed event and luncheon is presented by the Tulsa Town Hall.

This event is sold out.

Here at CRAFT we don’t limit our guests to mere book authors. Oh, no. On March 9 I welcome award-winning filmmaker Paul Bonesteel. After writing, directing, and producing the film The Mystery of George Masa in 2003, Paul still wasn’t done investigating the life of one of Southern Appalachia’s most fascinating and mysterious historical figures, Japanese photographer George Masa. So he teamed up again with former Cornell University librarian Janet McCue to write the first in-depth biography of this remarkable man: George Masa: A Life Reimagined. The journey from film to page and the many forms that storytelling can take will be just some of the topics Paul and I will dive into during our conversation. So stop on by Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and join us for drinks, conversation, and who knows what else. As always, books will be on sale courtesy of Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe and Paul will hang around to sign them. Join us!

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

It’s graphic novel time at CRAFT: Authors in Conversation! I am delighted to be hosting the remarkably talented—and crazy prolific—Shawn Pryor. Shawn and I were on a panel together in Cincinnati, and I’m so glad he has agreed to head down to Asheville from his home in Kentucky to join us at Little Jumbo. Shawn and I will definitely be talking about his fascinating book The Great Explorer of Mammoth Cave: A Graphic Novel Biography of Stephen Bishop —based on a true story—but there is so much more to delve into with this versatile author. Please do join us for cocktails, comic book debates, and camaraderie! As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Shawn will answer all your questions about writing, graphics, and more. Oh—and he’ll sign all your books, too. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Author Todd May joins me in November for CRAFT: Authors in Conversation, and I am delighted and excited to his pick his philosophical brain about humanity’s future and his book Should We Go Extinct: A PHILOSOPHICAL DILEMMA FOR OUR UNBEARABLE TIMES. After our discussion, Todd will reveal the meaning of life.

All kidding aside, this is a gripping book about an existentially loaded subject, yet one that still conveys a sense of optimism and hope. And of course, this being CRAFT, we will also talk about Todd’s role as advisor to the popular series The Good Place, his other works, writing habits, and more. I hope anyone joining us will give the book a read beforehand and bring your questions. I’m looking forward to an engaging discussion with a fascinating thinker. So stop on by downtown Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar for cocktails, mocktails, conversation, and—of course—books from the best indie bookstore on the planet, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe. Join us!

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Charleston Library Society’s launch of its Book Drop initiative. Book Drop’s mission is “to improve and increase access to books for underserved children ages birth to five years old in order to foster literacy during the most critical years.”

The inaugural fundraising dinner is a private event. Tickets and more information about attending this spectacular event or donating time, books, etc. to this amazing and crucially important project are available here:

https://charlestonlibrarysociety.org/event/book-drop-progressive-inaugural-dinner/

This ticketed, day-long event is hosted annually by the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.

This year’s theme is “The Manhattan Project: The Beginning of the Atomic Age,” and I am one of four speakers who will be featured at the event. If you are in and around Fredericksburg, this promises to be a fantastic and fascinating day. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website here.

He’s back and with another fantastic read! I am delighted to welcome mixmaster and cocktailoligist (yes, I’ve decided that’s a thing) André Darlington to CRAFT with his latest: Forbidden Cocktails: Libations Inspired by the World of Pre-Code Hollywood. This historically delicious account of imbibing will have classic movie buffs and speakeasy fans turning page after page for the inside scoop on some of Tinsel Town’s favorite sips and classic movie-cocktail pairings for your next party. Stop on by for a fun, tipsy, delectable edition of CRAFT: Authors in Conversation. As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and André will answer all your questions and sign all your books. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

I had the privilege of getting an early look at When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. You’ll absolutely relish this deliciously detailed and impeccably researched read about a slice of American history that most of us don’t think about, one of the beating hearts of American culture: the department store. Satow gives readers a gripping and glamorous examination of the women who were the life force of this retail phenomenon, which is, for better or worse, a huge part of life in America. Join Julie and I at CRAFT: Authors in Conversation. As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Julie will answer all your questions and sign all your books. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Every once in a while I get to interview someone for CRAFT whom I have known for some time. What I enjoy about this—aside from the opportunity to share a friend’s work with a new audience—is the fact that I can delve into the arc of this storyteller’s career. How a writer gets from their own personal starting point to sitting in front of a crowd talking about a piece of work that made it out into the world is one of the more interesting and inspiring discussions I am privileged to have. Stu is a filmmaker, novelist and, with his latest book, Offered in Secret, a memoirist to boot. Hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a very special edition of CRAFT: Authors in Conversation. As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Stu will answer all your questions and sign all your books. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Wow. Where do I start when seeking to communicate how astoundingly grateful I am to be able to host the inimitable Ray Suarez at CRAFT? I guess I’ll just dive in:

Broadcast journalist with decades of experience at the top news agencies in the nation. Journalism professor. Radio host. Podcaster. Former gigs include senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour, host of Talk of the Nation at NPR, CNN correspondent...and and and. The awards are far too numerous to get into.

I am thrilled we will be able to chat about his brand new book, We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century AN ORAL HISTORY, and can tell you from my own past experience talking with Ray about books, journalism, and all things writerly that this is one conversation you will not want to miss.

We will be sitting down at CRAFT’s home base, Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Ray will happily answer any and all of your questions about his books, awe-inspiring career, and more. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Finally in person! After enjoying a lovely online CRAFT interview with Terry Roberts a few years ago during the COVID era, we are finally getting together in person to talk books, writing, inspiration, productivity, and and and… Terry is the author of The Sky Club and many more delicious novels. What’s even better? Terry is going to give us a sneak preview of his upcoming novel to be released this fall. I know from experience what a delightful conversation partner Terry is, so you won’t want to miss this edition of CRAFT: Authors in Conversation. As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Terry will answer all your questions and sign all your books. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

A delicious new CRAFT is coming your way in March as I sit down to talk with Sophia Nguyen Eng, author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen. As a serious home cook and gardener, I have to admit I am particularly excited about this one. Sophia is not just a cookbook author. She is a former Silicon Valley tech and marketing pro who came to Southern Appalachia to to start a permaculture farm. Sophia’s is going to be one delightful brain to pick! As always, we will be sitting down at Asheville’s Little Jumbo cocktail bar and Sophia will answer all your questions and sign all your books. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

We’re turning CRAFT on its head this month. For the first time ever, I am the one in the CRAFT hot-seat, answering all sorts of questions—about which I know nothing. So who is going to be doing the asking? The amazing New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Kostova. Oh—and you all can ask me questions, too. This will be a fun one! Join us at the delightful Little Jumbo for great drinks, fine company, and plenty of good conversation. Join us!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

It’s a new year and a new CRAFT! We are starting off 2024 with New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, who will talk about her new book, The Heiress, as well as her massive and massively impressive catalog of books for adults, kids, and everyone in between. The New Year cocktails—and mocktails—will be flowing at Little Jumbo. Stop by to get your very own autographed copy of Rachel’s books and ask her all of your burning questions. Come on by!

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

It’s a holiday-themed CRAFT ind December as Denise talks to author and mixologist André Darlington about his latest book, A Booze and Vinyl Christmas. Pairing seasonal tunes with delectable cocktails, André has penned the perfect holiday gift for friends and party hosts alike. The drinks will be flowing and the carols playing at Little Jumbo. Stop by to get your very own autographed copy and enjoy some holly-jolly-CRAFT-y good vibes.

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Denise is delighted to be attending Cincinnati’s “Books By The Banks” book festival. In addition to signing copies of We Gather Together and other books throughout the day, Denise will be on a panel with some amazing authors to discuss books for young readers.

The event is being held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. For more information on location, authors, panels, and more, visit the festival website.

Denise talks narrative nonfiction, bookstore travel, and more with Shannon McKenna Schmidt, whose latest book on Eleanor Roosevelt is captivating audiences and the media across the country.

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Denise returns to Knoxville, Tennessee, to visit Union Ave Books and discuss the latest addition to her gratitude family read, We Gather Together (Young Readers Edition). Denise will also discuss her picture book, Giving Thanks, and the adult version of We Gather Together. All ages welcome!

Q&A and signing to follow.

Denise is in conversation with award-winning kids’ book author Joseph D’Agnese for a special evening of gratitude, including a family-friendly activity, signing, and celebration. Denise will be discussing the latest addition to her gratitude family read, We Gather Together (Young Readers Edition). Denise will also discuss her picture book, Giving Thanks, and the adult version of We Gather Together.

The event is hosted by the always delightful Bookmarks in downtown Winston-Salem and will be held at theCalvary Moravian Church at 600 Holly Avenue Northwest in Winston-Salem.

This very special community event will feature group activities and more. All ages welcome!

Q&A and signing to follow.

Denise visits one of her favorite spots, The Country Bookshop, in downtown Southern Pines to discuss the latest addition to her gratitude family read, We Gather Together (Young Readers Edition). Denise will also discuss her picture book, Giving Thanks, and the adult version of We Gather Together. All ages welcome!

Q&A and signing to follow.

Denise is in conversation with Laura Mina, Head Librarian at the Charleston Library Society, at the delightful Buxton Books to discuss the latest addition to Denise’s gratitude family read, We Gather Together (Young Readers Edition). Denise will also discuss her picture book, Giving Thanks, and the adult version of We Gather Together. All ages welcome!

Q&A and signing to follow.

Denise sits down with author Lynn Ames at Malaprop’s to discuss her new biography, Out at the Plate: The Dot Wilkinson Story.

Q&A and signing to follow. Join us at Malaprop’s, for this engaging author and a fascinating true story.

Denise is joined by national bestselling author Robert Swartwood at Little Jumbo to discuss his adventures in publishing, what he’s working on now, and, of course, craft.

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Denise is in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz at Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe to celebrate the publication of her new book, We Gather Together (Young Readers Edition).

Q&A and signing to follow.

The spectacular New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Kostova joins Denise at Little Jumbo for the reboot of CRAFT LIVE.

Signed books available from Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.

An Atomic City Girls™ presentation.

Join Denise and her husband, award-winning author Joe D’Agnese, for “He Said, She Said," a discussion of all things publishing. We will be on hand to answer all the questions you’ve ever had about the publishing and writing worlds. Bring some questions of your own!

Book signing at the Town Center at 5PM, provided by Malaprop’s.

To learn more about this fabulous festival, go the festival website.

We Gather Together tour.

Denise discusses her latest book in conversation with NYT bestselling author Karen Abbott, live from The Charleston Library Society in Charleston, SC. Books provided by Buxton Books.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-denise-kiernan-tickets-172310243577