494: "I Had the Full Heart of the Question In My Hand."

494: "I Had the Full Heart of the Question In My Hand."

From #AmWriting by #AmWriting with Jess & KJ

March 6, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 494

About this episode

The episode features a discussion about Casey Scieszka's debut speculative fiction novel 'The Fountain' and insights into the writing process.

It’s very rare for me to demand that the readers of my #AmReading substack pre-order something. And the bar to be my “Just One Book” is high. But here we go: The book is The Fountain —debut speculative fiction from Casey Scieszka —and you’ll want to read it, but even more, you’ll want to hear us talk about what it took to pull this big, beautiful novel from her Tuck-Everlasting-loving soul. And here’s the question her agent asked her that is now stuck on a post-it on my computer and may be my next tattoo: How can you reveal these things in action? Casey is reading: Open Throat by Henry Hoke (“It’s funny and deeply tender and unlike anything I’ve ever read.” Follow Casey on Instagram and Substack: Spruceton Inn.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jess, KJ

Guest: Casey Scieszka

Topics covered

  • speculative fiction
  • book discussion
  • writing process
  • author insights
  • literary recommendations

Keywords

  • Casey Scieszka
  • The Fountain
  • Open Throat
  • writing
  • speculative fiction
  • book recommendations
  • literary discussion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: #AmReading, Spruceton Inn

Books & works: The Fountain, Open Throat

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