Feast of Words - Four Voices, One Debut: The Leading Ladies

Every literary journey begins with a single spark. Welcome to the premiere episode of our special "Four Voices: One Debut" spotlight on the Feast of Words series. Airing on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to the Arts" channel, this episode celebrates "The Leading Ladies"—four authors who share the stories and inspirations behind their debut novels. Whether these novels mark the start of a multi-book career or stand as a singular, powerful creative achievement, we are peeling back the layers on the stories that first defined these authors' voices. From the historical Chautauqua circuits and ancient Hawaiian royalty to the high-stakes friendships of the 1980s and botanical garden mysteries, we explore the themes of female strength, self-discovery, and the creative courage it takes to publish Novel Number One. Join us for an hour of intimate conversation, craft secrets, and live readings that celebrate the power of the female protagonist. FEATURED AUTHORS & DEBUT NOVELS * Melora Fern – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens https://www.melorafern.com/  * Robin Merle – A Dangerous Friendship  https://theprofessionalguide.com/a-dangerous-friendship-a-novel/  * Linda Ballou – Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/  * Marty Eberhardt – Death in a Desert Garden  https://martyeberhardt.com/  LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES OF THE TOAST TO THE ARTS PODCAST: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com/