In Episode 37, we discuss the art and science of storytelling with bestselling, award-winning author, Jason Roberts, whose latest feat of non-fiction, Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All of Life was just published by Random House. Known as “the rescuer of forgotten history,” Jason has deftly created a dual biography that brings to light the opposing scientific philosophies of the French savants Carl Linneaus and Georges-Louis de Buffon and their life-long mission to know the same thing: all living species on earth. What fascinates me most about Jason’s process with this book is that after three years writing it, he came to a dead end, but the story wasn’t over. In fact, it has only just begun. Much like the early scientists he was studying, Jason realized the story he had discovered was about how failures become stepping stones to greater understanding. I can’t think of a more potent parallel to the writing process and birthing a book. In this special episode with my dear friend, we dive deep into the importance of the pursuit of ‘unknowing’ and how to seduce a reader from page one. If you’re curious how a master storyteller crafts vivid historical narratives, Jason Roberts shares insights and hard-won wisdom about making a daunting task appear easy and even more importantly, something that readers will find deeply meaningful. I hope you enjoy this conversation while you walk, hike, clean, drive or find yourself cozy on the couch! Jason is a gem.
Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.
About the guest author:
Known as “the rescuer of forgotten history,” Jason Roberts’ debut work of non-fiction, A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveler, was a national bestseller and finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Jason writes both fiction and non-fiction and is a contributor to The Village Voice, McSweeney’s, The Believer, and other publications. He is also the inaugural winner of the Van Zorn Prize for emerging writers sponsored by Michael Chabon. He lives in Oakland, California, in partnership with the journalist Julia Scott and is a board member of the Community of Writers, and a frequent member of its teaching faculty. His latest book, Every Living Thing: The Great & Deadly Race to Know All of Life is available everywhere you love to find books.
About the host:
Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com or find her at Instagram and Twitter @hollylynnpayne.
If you have a first page you’d like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here.
As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU.
After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I’m opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they’re currently writing.
If your page is chosen, you’ll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One’s master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.
You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players.
If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.
The Page One Podcast is created at the foot of a mountain in Marin County, California, and is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!
Be well and keep reading.
~Holly~
@hollylynnpayne