A Spot of Story brings you books, history, and the writing life over a steaming cup of tea. Tune in on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays for author conversations and quick history dives. Find out more at daniellegrandinetti.com/podcast.
danielleswritingspot.substack.com (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/s/a-spot-of-story?utm_medium=podcast)
Episode 28 | Echoes of History: Behind My First 1930s Romance
In this episode of Echoes of History, we are taking a step back in time to where my 1930s publishing journey all began: my very first historical romance novella, To Stand in the Breach.
Over five years and twenty-one books later, To Stand in the Breach still holds a deeply special place in my heart. Join me as I share the behind-the-scenes story of how a side character captured my imagination, how I took my very first steps into independent publishing, and the real-world 1930s history that woven into Dr. Katy’s journey.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
* The Birth of an Independent Author: How a spin-off idea from A Strike to the Heart led to my first foray into indie publishing.
* The 1933 Wisconsin Dairy Strikes: The historical backdrop of Midwestern farmers caught between economic hardship and caring for their herds during the height of the Great Depression.
* Early Female Veterinarians: The fascinating history of women breaking into large-animal veterinary medicine in the early 20th century.
* Irish Backstories & The Magdalene Laundries: How real history shaped Dr. Katy’s past and her journey across the Atlantic to find a new home in rural Wisconsin.
* Unforgettable Characters: A nod to Glen the donkey and the animal companions that steal the spotlight.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this journey into history, be sure to leave a comment below or share this post with a fellow lover of sweet romance and vintage history.
Further Reading or Listening
* More on the Podcast (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/podcast): View all the episodes, read the transcripts, and explore more about each featured book.
* Danielle’s Writing Spot (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/book-blog/): My book blog with weekly psalms, hand-picked book recommendations, and exclusive author interviews.
* Dispatch Flash Fiction (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/p/meet-ali-di-stasio): This paid subscription level opens a private collection of exclusive vignette flash fiction (400–900 words) tracking the hidden cases and character scenes you won’t find anywhere else.
* The Author Shop (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/books/): If you love ebooks and signed paperbacks browse my website storefront to buy direct from the author.
Thanks for reading The Fireside Wire! This post is public so feel free to share it.
Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
3 Oct 2026
Episode 27 | Behind the Book: Storm at Nottingham Castle by Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Set your dial to A Spot of Story, where books, history, and the writing life come alive over a steaming cup of tea.
On this episode, I’m sitting down with author (and my wonderful critique partner!) Ann Elizabeth Fryer to talk about her Gothic Regency novel, Storm at Nottingham Castle—the first book in her Sisters of Sherwood series.
We dive into:
* Life on the Edge of Sherwood Forest: Growing up with archery, gentlewoman traditions, and sudden plot twists.
* Gothic Romance Trope Favorites: Storms, flashing lightning, and dramatic hero entries.
* Historical Lore & Local Mysteries: Weaving real Nottingham history, haunted cave legends, and Robin Hood inspiration into a story.
Listen directly in the post player above, or grab your favorite brew and check out the full transcript and links below!
Further Reading or Listening
* More on the Podcast (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/podcast): View all the episodes, read the transcripts, and explore more about each featured book.
* Danielle’s Writing Spot (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/book-blog/): My book blog with weekly psalms, hand-picked book recommendations, and exclusive author interviews.
* Dispatch Flash Fiction (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/p/meet-ali-di-stasio): This paid subscription level opens a private collection of exclusive vignette flash fiction (400–900 words) tracking the hidden cases and character scenes you won’t find anywhere else.
* The Author Shop (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/books/): If you love ebooks and signed paperbacks browse my website storefront to buy direction from the author.
Thanks for reading The Fireside Wire! This post is public so feel free to share it.
Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
19 Sept 2026
Episode 26 | Echoes of History: 1932 Summer Olympics
In today's Echoes of History episode, host Danielle Grandinetti dives into the history of the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
Learn how the Tenth Olympiad inspired details in the Sabotage Games, from the creation of the first Olympic Village to the incredible story of track legend Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson and the history of female olympians.
In this episode, we chat about:
* How the 1932 LA Games set new standards, including the first official Olympic Village and standardized medal podiums.
* The economic, gender, and racial tensions surrounding the 10th Olympiad.
* The groundbreaking athletic legacy of Babe Didrikson.
* How these real-world historic events frame Emma Hancock’s journey in Sabotage Games.
Further Reading or Listening
* More on the Podcast (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/podcast): View all the episodes, read the transcripts, and explore more about each featured book.
* Danielle’s Writing Spot (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/book-blog/): My book blog with weekly psalms, hand-picked book recommendations, and exclusive author interviews.
* Dispatch Flash Fiction (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/p/meet-ali-di-stasio): This paid subscription level opens a private collection of exclusive vignette flash fiction (400–900 words) tracking the hidden cases and character scenes you won’t find anywhere else.
* The Author Shop (https://daniellegrandinetti.com/books/): If you love ebooks and signed paperbacks browse my website storefront to buy direction from the author.
Thanks for reading The Fireside Wire! This post is public so feel free to share it.
Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe (https://danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
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