A Literal Journey
Seth Adam Smith
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About This Podcast
Step into the world of stories with A Literal Journey, a weekly podcast/show hosted by author Seth Adam Smith. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with beloved and emerging authors about reading, writing, and the stories that shape who we become.
In every episode, Seth talks to authors about the stories that sparked their love for storytelling, their path of writing and publishing, and the lessons they've learned on their own "literal journey." Because, in the end, we don't just tell stories, we become the stories we tell ourselves.
So whether you’re a reader searching for your next favorite book, or a creative searching for inspiration and encouragement, A Literal Journey will help you move forward!
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Recent Episodes
S1E24 Don't Write A "Perfect" Book (Write An Honest One) 📚 C. M. Cornwell on Writing The Memory Spinner
The best stories don't have to be "perfect"—they just have to be honest...In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, author C.M. Cornwell shares the winding path that led to her novel, The Memory Spinner…
S1E23 Who Are We Becoming? 🕯️ Emily Bain Murphy on Lightseekers, Writing, and Finding Hope and Beauty
“There’s so much beauty in the world and in our lives if we have the eyes to see it.” -Emily Bain MurphyIn this meaning-FILLED episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Emily Bain Murphy—author…
S1E22 Find Your Weirdos 📚 Mary Averling on The Curse of Eelgrass Bog and The Burn Beast
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Mary Averling, the award-winning author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay, and the The Burn Beast, for a conversation…
S1E21 Finding Hope and Magic in the Gulag ✨ Cristin Williams on Russian History and The Whisper of Stars
When the world feels dark, cruel, and dehumanizing, a good story can help us hold onto hope... In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Cristin Williams, author of the…
S1E20 Revision Is Where The Magic Happens 📝 Janette Rallison (and C. J. Hill) on Writing Across Genres
“And remember that revisions is where the magic happens. That’s where you’re taking that … piece of coal and turning it into a diamond.” -Janette RallisonIn this thoughtful and funny episode of A…
S1E19 Writing Through Chaos 📖 Joan Reardon on Critical Thinking and The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters
This episode is for people who struggle creating something meaningful *especially* when life feels chaotic and uncertain...In this delightful episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with…
S1E18 Write What Fascinates You 📚 Stuart Gibbs on Spy School, FunJungle, and Writing An Adventurous Life
Most writers are told to “write what you know.” Stuart Gibbs encourages authors to write what fascinates them...In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with bestselling author…
S1E17 Creating Magical and Mysterious Worlds 📚 Ben Guterson on Reading, Writing & the Winterhouse Series
The best stories begin with a little bit of mystery...In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY (easily one of my favorites 🤫), I sit down with Ben Guterson, author of the bestselling Winterhouse trilogy,…
S1E16 Telling Stories from History 📚 Heather B. Moore on Writing and The Paper Daughters of Chinatown
How does a bestselling author turn history into unforgettable novels?In this fascinating episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore—a PROLIFIC,…
S1E15 Take A Weird Path 💀 J. W. Ocker on Edgar Allan Poe, Cryptids, and Odd Things He’s Seen
“Once you see how big the world is and all the options that are there, you stop feeling kind of doomed, right?”In this fascinating episode, J. W. Ocker pulls back the curtain on his unconventional…
S1E14 From A CREEPY Farmhouse to a Publishing House 💀 Wendy Parris on Field of Screams & Stage Fright
“Scary stories give kids a chance to be brave without any risk to themselves.” -Wendy ParrisIn this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Wendy Parris, the author of middle-grade novels Field…
S1E13 Embrace Your Voice 🙌 Erin Soderberg Downing on Becoming an Author and What Happened Then
When you feel like you stick out more than you fit in, a good story can remind you that belonging isn’t about blending in... it’s about embracing your voice and cranking up the volume so you can find…
S1E12 Defeating Dragons 🐉 Julie Wright on Persistence, Success, and Writing to Prove Them Wrong
When we're tempted to feel discouraged, a good story can remind us that we're not powerless and that our most difficult chapters don’t have to be the final ones…In this delightful episode of A…
S1E11 Write Your Obsessions 📖 Paul Tremblay on Writing, Becoming An Author, and A Head Full of Ghosts
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Paul Tremblay (and do my absolute BEST to keep my inner fan in check). Paul Tremblay is the award-winning (and jaw-dropping) bestselling author…
S1E10 Dark Times Don't Last Forever 📚 Ryan James Black on The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham
When the world gets dark, a good story can remind us that light will ALWAYS overcome darkness...In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Ryan James Black, a man who goes by all three names…
S1E9 Ghosts, Graveyards, and Forgotten History 💀 Lindsay Currie on Writing Scary Stories for Kids
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Lindsay Currie, a USA Today AND New York Times bestselling author. (And Sweet Moses, it was a WONDERFUL interview!) Lindsay talked about…
S1E8 How Writing Can Heal You—Literally || Kimberly Lauren (Talk Wordy to Me) on Writing Your Story
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with writing coach (and long-time friend) Kimberly Lauren, the voice behind the popular Instagram account @talkwordytome_—and chat about why stories…
S1E7 You Just Keep Going || Rebecca Connolly on Storytelling, Becoming an Author, and Hidden Yellow Stars
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with author Rebecca Connolly and talk about the real path to becoming a writer: a path characterized by uncertainty, persistence and success though…
S1E6 Heart Dogs & Heart Books || Author McCall Hoyle on Grief, Hope, and Forever Ripley
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I talk with award-winning author and educator McCall Hoyle. During the interview, McCall shares how her deep love for dogs, her years teaching at-risk youth, and…
S1E5 Embrace the Weird || Frank L. Cole on Writing, Publishing, and The Legend of the Last Library
In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I chat with Frank L. Cole, author of The Legend of the Last Library (and so much more)! During the interview, Frank shares how a moment of impatience sparked an…
Frequently Asked Questions
A Literal Journey has published 24 episodes since September 2025, covering topics in Arts, Books.
A Literal Journey is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 46m.
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