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Writing Into The Dream: Nora Lange and Devyn Andrews
After a bit of a summer break, we’re back to recording and releasing podcasts; and what a return it is. This episode features the super talented writer Nora Langejoining the show to discuss her new collection, Day Care (https://www.noralange.com/day-care), as well as her novel, Us Fools. (https://www.noralange.com/us-fools) We further welcome back to the show to formidable Devyn Andrews, who has been here before to talk about Anna Burns and David Foster Wallace, and who covered Day Care (https://westtradereview.com/westendlangereview26.html) for the estimable West Trade Review; Devyn is also a past contributor for L’Esprit (https://lespritliteraryreview.org/2025/10/26/bury-the-lede/). All the ingredients for a raucous discussion.
Which did not disappoint! We talked about Nora’s background and how she got into writing, and touched on Devyn’s review. We then went all over the place, and covered quite a bit of disparate conversational ground. At one point Nora got up to get more books to discuss. Devyn and I were super excited to talk with Nora, one of the true rising talents in the US literary scene. We hope you enjoy this conversation, and please do order yourself a copy of Nora’s books. Merci !
25 Aug 2026
Elaborate Your Garden! The Story of Talbot & The Fall
In this episode of the Free and Direct Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Nath to discuss his forthcoming novel—and Indirect Books’ debut title—Talbot & The Fall: A Comedy (With Support) (https://indirectbooks.org/talbot-the-fall-a-comedy-with-support/). Along with Michael we welcome on friend of the show Eliza Marley (last heard in conversation about Henry James (https://1882literary.substack.com/p/a-poisonous-little-tale-eliza-marley?r=63xgy5)) and Indirect’s Social Media Manager Luke Alchin-Scolnick. A four-person podcast; who knew!
We cover quite a bit of ground, as could be expected. Michael tells us about his influences, including The Fall, the London Underground, Welsh mythology, and much more. We also cover broader questions in art and writing, touching touching on everything from craft issues to literary ancestors. Michael implores everyone to form their own curriculum, which is surely self-explanatory. It’s a great conversation about a great book--one that you can order right here (https://indirectbooks.org/talbot-the-fall-a-comedy-with-support/)!
13 Aug 2026
Rachel León on HOW WE SEE THE GRAY
This episode features the excellent Rachel León joining the show to discuss her debut novel, How We See The Gray (https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-we-see-the-gray-rachel-le-n/402c4a8a37541afd). Rachel wrote for L’Esprit back in Issue Zero (https://lespritliteraryreview.org/issue-zero/), and we’re super excited to celebrate her book. We talk about her use of perspective, the setting in Rockford, Illinois, and the intersection of personal life with writing life.
Set over the course of a year, Rachel’s documentary-esque novel is told from multiple perspectives, including those of case workers, birth parents, foster parents, and foster children. Written with the working-class humor and heart that defines the Midwest, How We See the Gray is a story about mistakes, second chances, and trying to do better in a system that seems doomed to fail.
We hope you enjoy this conversation, and please do order yourself a copy of Rachel’s excellent book. Merci !
Who has been a guest on Free and Direct
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Katharine Smyth
Rachel León
Michael Nath
H S Cross
Aerin [Aerin's Last Name]
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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Guest appearances
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[Host Name] and Dan host the show. Published by Indirect Books.
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