Writer’s Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform.



Episode Summary



In this episode of Writer’s Voice, two authors offer vital insights—one about surviving a global pandemic, and the other about surviving the publishing process.



Ronald Gruner discusses Covid Wars, his in-depth exploration of how the pandemic reshaped politics, public health, and society. He reflects on the successes and failures of the U.S. response, the role of science and misinformation, and the lasting implications for democracy.




“Other countries did better because they trusted their governments and their governments trusted them.” — Ronald Gruner




Dennis Sweeney talks about How to Submit, a practical handbook for writers trying to get their work published in literary magazines and small presses. Drawing on his own experience as a poet and editor, Sweeney breaks down the submissions process, rejection, community-building, and sustaining motivation as a writer.




“Rejections are not failures. They’re steps in the process.” — Dennis Sweeney




Connect with WV:



Follow us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social and subscribe to our Substack. Or find us on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast 



You can support our show and the others you listen to by contributing through Lenny.fm. Your support helps us bring you more of the episodes, like this one, that you look forward to. Thanks for being a vital part of our community!



Key Words:



Covid Wars Ronald Gruner, COVID-19 lessons, pandemic politics, misinformation and science, pandemic preparation, U.S. pandemic response, How to Submit Dennis Sweeney, getting published, literary magazine submissions, small press publishing,



You Might Also Like: Eric Klinenberg, 2020: The Year Everything Changed, CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks











Segment 1: Ronald Gruner on Covid Wars



Ronald Gruner explains why he wrote Covid Wars—to create a factual, accessible record of how COVID-19 unfolded and how institutions responded. He discusses the pandemic’s exposure of systemic weaknesses, the politicization of science, and the urgent need to prepare for the next crisis.



Key Topics




Why Covid Wars is “not a political book, but a factual one”



COVID-19’s impact on public trust in government and science



How misinformation and partisan divides deepened the crisis



Lessons from countries that managed the pandemic differently



What the U.S. must do to prepare for the next pandemic








Segment 2: Dennis Sweeney on How to Submit



Dennis Sweeney demystifies the process of submitting to literary magazines and small presses. He emphasizes persistence, community, and self-knowledge as essential tools for navigating rejection and building a sustainable writing life.



Key Topics




Why rejections are not failures but part of the process



How to research and choose the right publications



Balancing creativity with strategy in submissions



The importance of literary community and reciprocity



Advice for writers new to the submission process




READ AN EXCERPT FROM HOW TO SUBMIT

Ver todos los episodios