A Literal Journey
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!
Podcasting since 2025 • 18 episodes
A Literal Journey
Latest Episodes
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 Stuart Gibbs—the author behind Spy Scho...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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58:35
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, The World-Famous Nine, and The Einst...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:08:29
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, inspirational writer whose work spans sever...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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50:05
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 (and very literal) writing journey, fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:02:41
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 of Screams and Stage Fright (side no...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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51:16