UpperPen Podcast

This podcast is focused on interviewing authors, narrators, and other creators in the book world. I love literature in all its forms and want to share that joy with you!

UpperPen Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Dakota VanLinden, with 74 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Dakota VanLinden hosts UpperPen Podcast, a arts show with 74 episodes published.

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  Episode #25

  The Jungle Book meets Goblins, Gargoyles, and a talking skull named Cornelius

  Aug 11, 202648 minS2026

  Gareth Hanrahan joins UpperPen to discuss The Dungeon Book, a new fantasy novel inspired in part by Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. You might know Gareth Hanrahan's name from TTRPG games like The One Ring, Adventures in Middle-Earth, Trial of Cthulhu: Cthulhu City, and Arkham Detective Tales. He also has other fantasy books. His grasp of dungeon mechanics and story are the best I've read. The Dungeon Book has elements of Kipling, D&D, and shenanigans that players get up to. This book was an awesome read! You can find Gareth Hanrahan at garethhanrahan.com and on Instagram @mytholder2

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  Episode #24

  Robert Jackson Bennett on A Trade of Blood, Fantasy Mysteries, and Hideo Kojima

  Aug 1, 202647 minS2026

  Author Robert Jackson Bennett joins UpperPen to discuss A Trade of Blood, the newest Ana and Din mystery, and why the series is fundamentally detective fiction set inside an extraordinary fantasy world. I love mystery stories and these books are that and some! Apparently I am not the only one, Hideo Kojima wrote "[The Tainted Cup] is a masterpiece that deserves to be read. Highly Recommended." Who could need more encouragement?! The world is unique, the characters are well developed, and the stories are INTERESTING! So freaking interesting. Robert Jackson Bennett's Instagram is @r.jackson.bennett. Book 3, A Trade of Blood is out August 11th, 2026.

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  Episode #23

  Grace Viall on How an HR Job Inspired (Mostly) Human Resources

  Jul 25, 202649 minS2026

  Debut author Grace Viall joins UpperPen to discuss her novel (Mostly) Human Resources , a fantasy adventure that blends cryptids, Appalachian folklore, slow-burn romance, and plenty of workplace humor.I loved this book so much! It has horror vibes, a cocky MMC, jackalopes, and an over responsible FMC that hasn't slept in however long because of her hellish nightmares. The book is fast paced and so fun!You can find Grace Viall on Instagram @GraceViallWrites and through her website GraceViall.com .Preorder a copy of (Mostly) Human Resources at Park Books to get a signed copy and some goodies.

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  Episode #22

  From zombies to vampires to space horror to space horror with zombies: David Wellington 2

  Jul 19, 202643 minS2026

  Author David Wellington returns to UpperPen to discuss Erebus 13, the thrilling conclusion to his Red Space trilogy. We explore the challenges of finishing a science fiction horror series, writing deeply flawed characters, and the collaborative process between authors and editors.If you want to see what David is up to, you can find him on Instagram @DavidWellingtonAuthor and on his website, DavidWellington.net .

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  Episode #21

  Sarah Beth Durst on The Sea of Charms and the Magic of Cozy Fantasy

  Jul 12, 202641 minS26

  Bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst joins UpperPen to discuss Sea of Charms , a cozy fantasy novel filled with memorable characters, imaginative magic, and immersive worldbuilding. I have loved all three of her books in this world and am so excited to pick up The Magical Cheese Emporium in January! You can preorder a signed copy of the book at Books of Wonder . Follow you can find out more about what she has coming up (including tour dates and locations) by going to SarahBethDurst.com or by following her on social media (pretty much all of them) @SarahBethDurst.

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