Tart Words: Writers read. Readers bake. Bakers write. artwork

Tart Words: Writers read. Readers bake. Bakers write.

54 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

Welcome! I'm Linda Gordon Hengerer, author of the Beach Tea Shop cozy mystery series, co-editor of the Happy Homicides cozy mystery anthology series, and baker of treats.If you get joy from reading, writing, or baking, join me to learn new skills to take your writing and/or baking to a different level. My happy place is filled with baking supplies, loaded bookshelves, and endless imagination - does this sound like yours, too? Maybe you've thought about writing a book someday, and decided someday was now - if you only knew where to start. You enjoy baking, but not making time-consuming treats that are gobbled up in less time than it took to measure the flour. You're the dictionary picture for "voracious reader," and you enjoy listening to your favorite authors and finding out the inspiration behind their stories. Tart Words is a podcast for all of those interests. I'm inviting some of my author friends to talk about writing, their books, and add a baker's dozen of getting-to-know-you questions in the Show Notes. I talk about writing and baking, and you'll find out more about your favorite author or find a new author to follow. Tart adj 1: agreeably sharp or acid to the taste; noun 1: an open pastry case containing a filling. Our words may occasionally be sharp or salty but are most often sweet. An open pastry case containing a filling suggests endless possibilities, and I hope the Tart Words podcast fills you full of joy and possibility.

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Episodes

Raquel V. Reyes

October 13, 2022 01:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Linda Hengerer talks with Raquel Reyes about writing, Caribbean cooking, and her characters. Raquel V. Reyes is the author of Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking, the second book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series and available now. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first book in the series featuring Cuban-American cooking show star Miriam Quiñones-Smith, has been optioned for film and is now available in paperback. Find out more about Raquel at rvreyes.com and on social media @LatinaSleuths. ...

Christine DeSmet

November 01, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

da Hengerer talks with Christine DeSmet about her Fudge Shop Mystery Series, Belgian chocolate, writing, and creating recipes. Christine DeSmet is the author of the Fudge Shop Mystery Series and the novella series, Mischief in Moonstone Mystery Series, both set in Wisconsin. She is a writing coach as well, and spent several years as a Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies where she created the Writers' Institute conference and ...

Hank Phillippi Ryan

September 12, 2021 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

How can television reporter Lily Atwood keep a secret private when she's in the public's eye? Find out in Her Perfect Life. Hank Phillippi Ryan speaks from personal experience as an investigative reporter about always being on when out in public, exploring standalone books versus series books, and her pandemic-inspired platform for authors, The Back Room. HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 13 psychological thrillers, winning the genre's most prestigious awards: fiv...

Tart Bites: Rolled Cherry Sandwiches

August 29, 2021 21:00 - 3 minutes - 2.61 MB

How do you make a versatile filling for little rolled sandwiches, tea sandwiches, danish, or to use as a spread?

5-Minute Drill: Set Pieces

August 26, 2021 19:00 - 3 minutes - 2.25 MB

What is a set piece and where can I get one?

Barbara Barrett

August 25, 2021 01:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Linda Hengerer talks with author Barbara Barrett. To avoid a midlife crisis, Barbara Barrett wrote fiction at night while still employed in human resources for Iowa State Government. After releasing eleven full-length romance novels and two novellas, she turned to the cozy mystery genre, having discovered it years before when pregnant with her first child. She used one of her retirement pastimes, the game of mah jongg, as her inspiration. Her next book, Courtesy Call, to be released August ...

Tart Bites: Affogato

August 22, 2021 00:00 - 2 minutes - 1.65 MB

What are the two ingredients for a tasty treat?

5-Minute Drill: Setting

August 21, 2021 20:00 - 2 minutes - 2.04 MB

What do writers need to consider about Setting for their story?

Hannah Dennison

August 16, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

What jobs has Hannah Dennison had that inspired cozy mystery series? British-born, Hannah Dennison originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant, and Hollywood story analyst. Hannah has served on numerous judging committees for Mystery Writers of America and teaches mystery writing workshops for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program now on Zoom. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah r...

Tart Bites: Cherry Clafoutis

August 15, 2021 14:00 - 3 minutes - 2.62 MB

Sweet cherries and a cherry liqueur-infused custard make a summery dish.

Tart Bites: Puff Pancake

August 14, 2021 23:00 - 4 minutes - 3.04 MB

What makes the eggy custard climb the sides of the baking dish? Can it be...magic?

Amy Vansant

August 08, 2021 17:00 - 14 minutes - 9.73 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Amy Vansant about her two upcoming releases. Find out what "Meat Bingo" is and what it has to do with Pineapple Cruise, and how Pineapple Circus came to have a circus setting. USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Amy Vansant has written over 20 books, including the fun, thrilling Shee McQueen series, the rollicking, twisty Pineapple Port Mysteries, and the action-packed Kilty urban fantasies. Throw in a couple romances and a YA fant...

Russia Week - Tart Bites: Pryaniki (Russian Spice Cookies)

August 07, 2021 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.83 MB

Settle in for a good read, a hot cuppa, and these delicious Russian spice cookies!

Russian Week - Tart Bites: Pryaniki (Russian Spice Cookies)

August 07, 2021 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.83 MB

Settle in for a good read, a hot cuppa, and these delicious Russian spice cookies!

Russia Week - Dick Francis's Trial Run

August 07, 2021 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.29 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks about Dick Francis’s book Trial Run, and how he uses setting to emphasize the story, shows how societal expectations affect actions, and how to build characters for story.    It was first published in the United States in 1978 by Berkley Books and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: The last place veteran horseman Randall Drew wanted to go was Moscow. But when his royal highness the prince asks a favor, one doe...

Russian Week - Dick Francis's Trial Run

August 07, 2021 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.29 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks about Dick Francis’s book Trial Run, and how he uses setting to emphasize the story, shows how societal expectations affect actions, and how to build characters for story.    It was first published in the United States in 1978 by Berkley Books and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: The last place veteran horseman Randall Drew wanted to go was Moscow. But when his royal highness the prince asks a favor, one doe...

Russia Week - Encore: Emilya Naymark

August 02, 2021 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Join me for the first themed Tart Words podcast week. It begins Monday with an encore presentation of Emilya Naymark's episode.  Wednesday's Tart Thoughts are about Trial Run, Dick Francis's novel set mainly in Moscow. End the week on Friday with a recipe for Pryaniki, Russian spice cookies, which are easy and delicious. Emilya Naymark’s debut novel is “Hide In Place” from Crooked Lane Books. Her short stories appear in the Harper Collins anthology A Stranger Comes to Town,  Secrets in the ...

Tart Bites: Honey for Cheese (and Crackers)

July 29, 2021 17:00 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MB

Have you seen a jar of Honey for Cheese and wondered whether it would be tasty? Wonder no more.

Mary Stewart's The Ivy Tree

July 29, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book The Ivy Tree and how she uses Brat Farrar, Josephine Tey’s fictional take on a real-life situation, to guide the reader in one direction before taking them somewhere else.    It was first published in 1961 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: Whitescar is a beautiful old house and farm situated in Roman Wall country. It will make a rich inher...

Neil Plakcy

July 25, 2021 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Neil Plakcy about writing, his many writing projects, and his writing process. Neil S. Plakcy is the author of over fifty gay romance, gay mystery and adventure, and cozy mystery novels. His eclectic work career includes stints in shopping mall construction, web development, and computer game producing. He grew up in suburban Pennsylvania where the golden retriever mysteries are set, and spent many childhood hours in his lakeside backyard with his ...

Tart Bites: S'mores Coffee Break

July 25, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.5 MB

How do you make S'mores without a grill? S'mores are the iconic campfire or grilling dessert. Toasted marshmallows are sandwiched with chocolate bars between graham crackers. Does summer get any better than that?

Mary Stewart's Thunder on the Right

July 25, 2021 03:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Thunder on the Right and how she uses omniscient point of view, how her protagonist differs from her usual protagonist, and why we think this might have been the first book Mary Stewart wrote. It was first published in 1957 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: High in the rugged Pyrenees lies the Valley of the Storms, where a tiny convent cli...

Alan Orloff

July 18, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

Linda Hengerer talks with Alan Orloff, whose latest YA thriller I Play One on TV came out from Down & Out Books on July 19, 2021. Alan Orloff won an ITW Thriller Award for his novel, PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT, and he won a Derringer Award for his short story, “Dying in Dokesville.” He’s also had novels shortlisted for the Agatha Award and Shamus Award, and a story selected for THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES. He loves cake and arugula, but not together. Never together. Find him at alanorloff...

Tracee de Hahn

June 20, 2021 23:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Tracee de Hahn. Tracee de Hahn is the author of classic tales of intrigue and suspense published by Minotaur Books. Swiss Vendetta was inspired by her years in Switzerland. A Well-Timed Murder probed the heart of the Swiss watch industry. She is National Membership Liaison for Sisters in Crime. Find her at TraceedeHahn.com to sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media. Get to know Tracee - the Tart Words Baker's Dozen: 1.   Plot...

Susie Black

June 19, 2021 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Susie Black. Born in the Big Apple, Susie Black calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries.  She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan wen...

Connie Berry

June 15, 2021 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer is talking with Connie Berry. Connie Berry is the author of the Kate Hamilton Mysteries, set in the UK and featuring an American antiques dealer with a gift for solving crimes. Like her protagonist, Connie was raised by antiques dealers who instilled in her a passion for history, fine art, and travel. During college she studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany and St. Clare's College, Oxford, where she fell under the spell of the British Isles. Besides...

Emilya Naymark

June 06, 2021 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Emilya Naymark. Emilya Naymark’s debut novel is “Hide In Place” from Crooked Lane Books. Her short stories appear in the Harper Collins anthology A Stranger Comes to Town,  Secrets in the Water, After Midnight: Tales from the Graveyard Shift, River River Journal, Snowbound: Best New England Crime Stories 2017, and 1+30: THE BEST OF MYSTORY. She has a degree in fine art, and her artworks have been published in numerous magazines and books. When no...

Shawn Reilly Simmons

May 31, 2021 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Shawn Reilly Simmons about culinary cozy mysteries, Malice Domestic and 2021's More Than Malice, and writing. Shawn Reilly Simmons is the Agatha and Anthony Award-winning author and editor of The Red Carpet Catering Mysteries and of twenty short stories appearing in various anthologies. She serves on the Board of Malice Domestic, is an editor at Level Best Books and a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the Crime Writers’ Assoc...

Tara Lush

May 23, 2021 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.21 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks with Tara Lush.  Tara Lush is a Rita Award finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow, and a George C. Polk Award-winning journalist. For the past decade, she's been a reporter with the Associated Press, covering crime, alligators, natural disasters, and politics. She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations. A fan of vintage pulp-fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, and 1980s fashion, she lives with her husband and two dogs on...

Vincent H. O'Neil

May 23, 2021 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Vincent H. O'Neil. Vincent H. O’Neil is the Malice Award-winning author of the Exile murder mysteries from St. Martin’s Press and the military science fiction Sim War series (written as Henry V. O’Neil) from HarperCollins. He has also authored several short stories in Mystery Tribune, Bourbon Penn, Mystery Weekly, Hypnos, and Lovecraftiana magazines. Visit him at www.vincenthoneil.com for links to his books and short stories, as well as helpful pre...

Diane A.S. Stuckart

May 08, 2021 23:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Diane A.S. Stuckart.  Diane A.S. Stuckart began her writing career in the 1990s as the critically acclaimed author of historical romance under the names Alexa Smart and Anna Gerard. She later switched to the mystery genre and is the NYT bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries (written as Ali Brandon) and the award-winning Leonardo da Vinci historical mysteries. Her Tarot Cats Mystery series launched in 2018 with FOOL’S MOON. Her Georg...

Mia P. Manansala

May 02, 2021 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Mia P. Manansala about her debut novel Arsenic and Adobo, Filipino cooking - lumpia! - and how the pandemic affected her routine. Mia P. Manansala (she/her) is a writer and certified book coach from Chicago who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture. Her debut novel, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, comes out May 4, 2021, with Berkley/Peng...

Tart Bites: EBB Spread

April 28, 2021 21:00 - 2 minutes - 1.76 MB

Creamy, buttery, garlicky - just what you want when sweet won't cut it but a savory snack will.

Mary Stewart's Airs Above the Ground

April 28, 2021 21:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Airs Above the Ground and how she uses unusual settings, creates vivid animal characters, and shows relationship dynamics.    It was first published in 1965 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: Vanessa March's husband Lewis is meant to be on a business trip in Stockholm. So why does he briefly appear in newsreel footage of a fire at a circus ...

Tart Bites: Cream Cheese & Olives

April 24, 2021 22:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MB

Cream Cheese & Olives is a family favorite, and easy to make; you'll be snacking in no time! Out of crackers? Use celery as a boat for the cream cheese and olives. 

Carrie Stuart Parks

April 24, 2021 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Linda Hengerer talks with Carrie Stuart Parks, an award-winning, internationally known forensic artist. She travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals including the FBI, Secret Service, and RCMP, and is the largest instructor of forensic art in the world.  Her best-selling novels in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre have garnered numerous awards including several Carols and Inspys; the Christy, Golden Scroll, Kudos, Maxwell, and Wrigh...

Mary Stewart's The Moon-Spinners

April 23, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book The Moon-Spinners how she uses setting, shows family love and loyalties, and how her characters answer a call to adventure.  It was first published in 1962 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Takeaways for writers: In The Moon-Spinners, Nicola Ferris is a young English woman working at the embassy in Athens. She comes to Crete for a holiday with her cousin Frances, ...

Suzanne Fox

April 16, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Linda is talking with Suzanne Fox. Writing as Suzanne Scott, she is the author of One Hot Summer. Originally published in 1997, Harlequin re-released it as an ebook. Suzanne Fox writes fiction and nonfiction, reviews books for Publishers Weekly, edits the online journal Society 19, and works with authors to shape, publish, and market their work. Her handmade jewelry and digital art, including that used for the Tart Words Mary Stewart podcasts, is inspired by favorite books and authors. A gr...

Tart Bites: Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 14, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.63 MB

The classic recipe, refined. Chocolate Chip Cookies are familiar from childhood, and I've changed a few things.

Mary Stewart's My Brother Michael

April 14, 2021 00:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book My Brother Michael and how she uses setting, incorporates both ancient and recent history, and how her characters answer a call to adventure.  It was first published in 1959 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: ''Nothing ever happens to me...'' So begins Camilla Haven's letter home during her quiet holiday in Athens. But when a stranger begs ...

Joan Lipinsky Cochran

April 09, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

Linda Hengerer is talking with Joan Lipinsky Cochran, whose Becks Ruchinsky Mysteries explore subcultures of American Judaism. Joan Lipinsky Cochran is a former journalist who has written for such publications as Family Circle, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, Florida Design and South Florida Magazine. Her food articles have also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Moment Magazine, and The Forward, among other publications. A graduate of Northwestern University’s ...

Nancy J. Cohen

April 03, 2021 23:00 - 11 minutes - 7.68 MB

Linda talks with Nancy J. Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day mystery series. Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. These books have won numerous awards along with her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruis...

Tart Bites: Matzo Toffee Crunch

April 01, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.55 MB

I love almond butter crunch. This is similar but on a matzo or salted cracker base. Matzo Toffee Crunch is perfect for Passover, Easter, or whenever you want a sweet toffee bite.

Mary Stewart's This Rough Magic

March 30, 2021 02:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MB

You can read a review of This Rough Magic by Suzanne Fox on the blog Mary Stewart Reading. In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book This Rough Magic and how she uses a dolphin as both needing rescue and being the rescuer, and plays characters off each other who are at the beginning and end of their respective careers.  It was first published in 1964 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amaz...

Tart Bites: PB & OMG!

March 24, 2021 21:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MB

Inspired by the popular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, my sister spread peanut butter on an OREO. It tasted like a crunchy peanut butter cup.  Could anything be better with a glass of cold milk on a hot summer day?

Mary Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting

March 22, 2021 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Nine Coaches Waiting and how she develops her characters and uses genre.  It was first published in 1958 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: A thrilling, twisty tale of a dangerous romance set in the heart of mid-century Savoy, from the author of Madam, Will You Talk. Linda Martin understands what is to be lonely: her parents died when she ...

Annette Dashofy

March 21, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.79 MB

Linda talks with Annette Dashofy, author of the Zoe Chambers mystery series. Annette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of the multi–Agatha Award-nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. Her latest release, a standalone, is Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack seeking to find the truth about her mentor’s mysterious death. Annette is a member of Pennwrit...

Tart Bites: Chocolate Dulce de Leche Crispie Treats

March 18, 2021 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.32 MB

Remember the Rice Krispie Treats from childhood? Chocolate Dulce de Leche Crispie Treats are on another level of sweet, chocolatey crunch. NOTE: To make your own dulce de leche, remove the label from a can (or several cans) of sweetened, condensed milk. In a large pot, place the cans on their sides and cover with water - at least an inch of water over the highest point of the can. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 hours, depending on how many cans are in ...

Mary Stewart's Wildfire at Midnight

March 17, 2021 00:00 - 13 minutes - 9.65 MB

In this episode of Tart Words, we’re discussing Mary Stewart’s book Wildfire at Midnight and how she uses setting, genre, and plot in this story about mountain worship taken to the extreme. It was first published in 1956 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.   Description from Amazon: The tense, twisty murder mystery which will have you on the edge of your seat, from the author of Madam, Will You Talk?   Following a heart-breaking divorce, Gianetta retreats to the...

Tart Bites: Pimento Cheese

March 11, 2021 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.52 MB

A sweet treat in the afternoon is sometimes a necessary pick-me-up, but there are times when a savory treat hits the spot. Cheese is something I always go to, and pimento cheese takes it to another level. I share my recipe for Pimento Cheese in this episode of Tart Bites. 

Twitter Mentions

@emilyanaymark 2 Episodes
@neilplakcy 1 Episode
@nancyjcohen 1 Episode
@shawnrsimmons 1 Episode