In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale—not just as readers, but as writers. We explore Margaret Atwood’s masterful craft: her use of voice, world building, and the chilling plausibility that makes this dystopian classic so enduring. We also share our take on the most recent adaptation and how it expands (or shifts) the original narrative. Most importantly, we discuss why stories like this matter now more than ever—especially in today’s cultural and political climate. Whether you're a fan, a critic, or reading it for the first time, this conversation will challenge you to think about the power and responsibility of storytelling.

SHOW NOTES:

• Happy 2 Year Anniversary Episode!
• Our first exposure to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
  • Then vs. now impressions
  • Reading in a pre versus post-Roe v. Wade-overturning climate
• The Handmaid’s Tale and today’s political climate

• A writer’s perspective on style, plot, world building & character
  • Do you prefer stories that lean heavily on internal narration or action?
  • Dystopian fiction genre

• Alignment and critical view of the 1990 Film & Hulu adaptation
  • The shift to a visual medium
  • How 1st person, stream-of-consciousness is handled differently through visual flashback
  • Fleshed-out storylines (Ofglen, Serena Joy, Nick, Moira)
  • Did the adaptations remain true to the heart of the novel or change too much?

• The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

SOURCES & LINKS

The Handmaid’s Tale & The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale, 1990, Director Volker Schlöndorff

The Handmaid’s Tale, 2017-2025, TV Series Creator Bruce Miller (6 seasons)

“Gilead Revisit: What Went Wrong with The Handmaid’s Tale Movie”, Collider

Sarah Grynberg Podcast, “The Dark Truth About The Handmaid’s Tale”

DO NOW:

Read them. Watch them.

Become informed about women’s rights.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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In this episode, we explore how a simple journal can become a novelist’s most powerful tool. From unlocking character secrets to breaking through writer’s block, journaling helps writers tap into their deepest creative instincts. You’ll learn five practical ways journaling can support your novel at every stage—and get inspired with fresh prompts to spark your next breakthrough. Whether you're stuck in the middle or just starting out, this episode will help you turn the blank page into your best ally.

SHOW NOTES:

Five Journal Writing Methods to Support Novel Writing:

1. Brainstorm

Journaling allows you to freely explore story ideas, themes, and "what if" scenarios without pressure. This can lead to unexpected insights and help you discover the emotional or philosophical heart of a story.

1. Develop Characters More Deeply Writing from a character’s point of view, or just journaling about them, can reveal their inner lives, motivations, fears, and backstories in a more intimate way than structured outlining.
2. Overcome Writer’s Block Journal writing removes the need for perfection. It’s a private space where you can write without judgment, which often helps break through blocks and get the words flowing again.
3. Track Emotional & Creative Progress Keeping a writing journal can help you reflect on your process, track struggles and breakthroughs, and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.
4. Inspire Authentic Dialogue and Voice Journaling in different voices—your characters’, your narrator’s, or even a fictional letter—can help you nail down tone, dialect, and authentic dialogue that breathes life into scenes.

SOURCES & LINKS:

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott

Write for Your Life, Anna Quindlen

The Playful Way to Serious Writing, Roberta Allen

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper, Sark

Srivener

DO NOW:

Explore the recommended sources and choose one to get you started on your journal writing journey. Also access this FREE Download to give you some ideas throughout your novel writing process: Journal Writing Prompts for Novelists

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local Dollars for Scholars chapter. She is an avid cook and is always planning her next adventure. FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and released as an audiobook in 2023 by Tantor Audio. It is now available in a second edition through Coastal Whisk. You will find her short stories in The Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, The Penmen Review, MARY, the Little Patuxent Review, and FOLIO. She also teaches short story classes for adults in the Boston suburbs. Her second novel, CONSIDERING US, was published on February 6, 2025 by Black Rose Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Considering Us, February 6, 2025, Black Rose Writing

Overview

Inspiration

First Course

Food Motif

Publishing the first novel versus the second

On being a writer

Path to publishing

Planning events

Early inspiration for writing a novel

Juggling teacher, author, mom roles

Advice for new authors

Next novel

SOURCES & LINKS

Jenn’s Website: jennbouchard.com

Jenn’s Socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky: @JennBouchardBOS

The Author’s Guild

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you