3 Award-Winning California Authors

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks with three writers whose deep ties to the Golden State shine through in their written works.

First up, Johnson speaks with San Diego–based Alana Quintana Albertson about her latest novel, Kiss Me, Mi Amor. Albertson discusses how the Golden State’s diverse settings provide endless inspiration for her many romance novels. “I really use setting as a character, and I was contrasting La Jolla and Barrio Logan and different communities,” says Albertson. Albertson also shares a few sneak peaks of her upcoming works and names some of her top San Diego County spots for coffee, tacos, and books.

Next, Johnson is joined by Melissa Broder, author of the mystical desert tale Death Valley. The Los Angeles author and poet recounts how a traumatic personal experience in the California desert inspired her latest novel. “I was just going to Zabriskie Point where nobody—it's a very touristy area—nobody ever gets lost there. I got completely lost and did everything you're not supposed to do,” Broder recalls.  She tops off the conversation by sharing her favorite local boutiques, restaurants, and hiking trails.

Lastly, Johnson talks with South Lake Tahoe–based memoirist and poet Suzanne Roberts. The Almost Somewhere author recounts her experience hiking the John Muir Trail: “Those 28 days taught me that there is more than one view of nature, that nature is a place where we should be connecting and not conquering.” The experienced outdoorswoman also builds an itinerary for both a laid-back and action-packed winter weekend in her hometown.

GUESTS

Alana Quintana Albertson, author of the Love & Tacos book series

Melissa Broder, author of Death Valley, Milk Fed, The Pisces

Suzanne Roberts, author of Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail

RESOURCES

Alana Quintana Albertson is a San Diego–based romance author and writing teacher who has written 33 novels.

San Diego

Kiss Me, Mi Amor

Marin County

Mount Tam

Muir Woods

La Jolla

Barrio Logan

Santa Maria

Montecito

Santa Barbara

Carmel

Napa

Hope Ranch

Chicano Park

Coronado

Encinitas

Carlsbad

Oceanside

Julian

Pinpoint Cafe

UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography

Wayfarer Bread

¡Salud Tacos!

Por Vida Café

Little Frenchie

Bay Books

Sonoma Mission

Chavez Ravine

Melissa Broder is an L.A.-based novelist, poet, and essayist. She’s written three novels, including her latest, Death Valley.

Los Angeles

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park

Baker

Zabriskie Point

Mojave National Preserve

Route 66 Mother Road Museum

Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

The Pisces

Venice Beach

Milk Fed

Crimson

Santa Monica

Scent Bar

Hollywood

Runyon Canyon

Griffith Park

Trebek Open Space

Will Rogers State Historic Park

Malibu Beaches

Suzanne Roberts is a freelance writer, memoirist, and poet based in South Lake Tahoe.

Almost Somewhere

Mammoth

Mount Whitney

John Muir Trail

South Lake Tahoe

Yosemite National Park

The Hangar

Hope Valley

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Desolation Hotel Hope Valley (formerly Wilder Resort)

Cuppa Tahoe

Heavenly Village

Carson Pass

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos