Life of JEM
”Life of JEM: writers on writing” is a podcast where Juanita E. Mantz (JEM), who is a writer herself, interviews many of her favorite writers. JEM loves interviewing and you’ll see why. Every show has a theme, but there’s always a focus on the craft of writing, as well as a love of the written word and JEM does a deep dive into many of her favorite books and authors. Check it out! You can listen in, but be sure to like JEM’s Facebook page for podcast extras! See https://www.facebook.com/LifeOfJem/ and her author page for live events https://juanitaemantz.com/
Episodes
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Check out another podcast on writing! I'll be on his show soon. Stephen Sacco has on a wide range of writers covering a host of literary topics! Check it out! It's epic!!
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
A special Halloween reading by three amazing horror writers, Christian Livermore, Kate Maruyama and Ryan Peña and a conversation with them moderated by JEM about what makes horror writing sing along with valuable tips for those burgeoning writers out there. Boo!!
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
JEM and Writer Désirée Zamorano discuss her latest novel "Dispossessed" and how important it is to tell these stories about dispossession and disenfranchisement, and how she crafted her beautiful soul sustaining book. It's a must listen in conversation!
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer James Ducat, author of the blackout poetry collection, "A Field of Nopes" (Bamboo Dart Press, 2024). JEM and James have a fascinating conversation about his book and about inspiration, their writing process, music, & how one balances it all. It's a very cool and engaging conversation. Tune in!
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer Carla Sameth, author of the luminous poetry collection, "Secondary Inspections" (Nymeria Publishing, 2024) and the beautiful memoir "One Day On The Gold Line" (reissued by Golden Foothills Press, 2022). JEM and Carla have a deep conversation about writing memoir & the transition to poetry. It's an insightful conversation filled with a discussion of craft. Tune in!
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer (and lawyer) Elsa Valmidiano, author of the beautiful hybrid book "The Beginning of Leaving" published by Querencia Press (see https://www.querenciapress.com/the-beginning-of-leaving-by-elsa-valmidiano). JEM and Elsa are great friends who have a lot in common and they have a deep conversation about how to write about "home" and family, and they talk about the challenges one faces in writing a hybrid book, as well as about the "Motherland", agency and more!
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer James Coats, author of the powerful poetry book "Midnight & Mad Dreams". JEM and James talk about how he uses poetry to illustrate racism and oppression in an attempt to change the world. They also talk about the "business" of writing and how to be a good literary citizen. And you'll hear a beautiful reading by James. Listen in!
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer Xóchitl-Julisa Bermejo, author of the beautiful poetry book "Incantation: Love Poems for Battle Sites" (Mouthfeel Press). JEM and Xóchitl chat about how Xóchitl's writing merges poetry and social justice and how these gorgeously crafted poems bear witness and you'll hear a reading by Xóchitl.They also talk about the importance of community and Xóchitl's leadership as a co-creator and director of the nonprofit organization Women Who Submit! Listen in!! And get Xóchitl's book (if you listen in, you'll find out how to win a copy!).
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
This episode is JEM and Writer Romaine Washington, editor of the anthology "These Black Bodies Are . . . " and poet and author of "Purgatory Has An Address" and "Sirens In Her Belly".JEM and Romaine chat about how Romaine merges writing and activism and how she brought together this beautiful, soul sustaining multi-genre collection of writers writing about love, social justice, community and more. A must hear important conversation on writing! Listen in!!