Living in the past and the present, Native American Indians and Catholicism are all parts of Louis Erdrich's book, "Tracks: A Novel." Both Michael Dorris and Erdrich have Native American Indian backgrounds. The husband and wife team also talk about how they take long walks with one another and discuss with each the ideas of future books and the books' characters.

To date, August Derleth said he's written 135 books. A good number of his books are of Sauk City, Wisconsin, the German town where is was born and raised. Derleth explained writing books on poetry are not big money makers and for that reason, he then turns to writing horror stories or mystery novels.

In conclusion, August Derleth, spoke of his biggest influences, Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Derleth believed that one day there would be a renaissance of great literary authors. With regards to playing the sleigh bells in churches, Iris Ford says its like blending something ridiculous to the sublime. Ford, a self-taught sleigh bell player, plays for all types of religious orders. Because playing the music is for God, says Ford, it needs to be exceptional.

Having spent time as a Marine in southeast Asia and his military experience became material for Asa Baber's first book, "Land of a Million Elephants". Baber also talks about how he formulated his book. "Writing is music. Writing is jazz," said Baber. He didn't believe writing was about concepts and structure.

Arthur Charles Clarke discusses science fiction and his books "Childhood's End", "Prelude to Space", and "the Deep Range".

Arnold Wesker, English playwright and writer in several genres discusses scenes from the play "Roots". Mr Wesker further discusses his plays and the current cast traveling around England performing several of his plays. The interview tape ends and Studs recalls the remainder of the interview alone as a postscript.

Arnold Wesker and Doris Lessing discuss the poor, theater, and literature in England. They also discuss art, life, values, race relations, and what people from other countries have in common . The interview takes place in England.

Architect and wartime prisoner, Hermann Field, discusses his book "Angry Harvest," coauthored with Stanislaw Mierzenski, and also discusses architecture.

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Anders Bodelsen discusses the differences between the different Scandanavian cultures and one of his literary rolemodels Patricia Highsmith.

French writer Anais Nin discusses her book “Under a Glass Bell” and its influences with Studs Terkel. Nin reads a few excerpts from her recently published work “Under a Glass Bell.”

The feminist poet and author reflects on the life of her mother, as described in the memoir, Fatal Flowers: On Sin, Sex, and Suicide in the Deep South.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations