Connie Martinson (September 12, 1925 – October 9, 2023) was an American television interview host, author, and literary advocate best known for creating and producing the public‑television series Connie Martinson Talks About Books. The program, which aired from 1979 to 2017, featured in‑depth conversations with a wide range of authors, poets, playwrights, and other literary figures, aiming to promote reading and intellectual discourse among a general audience.
Early life and education
Connie Martinson was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Chicago in 1947 and later pursued graduate studies in journalism.
Career
After completing her education, Martinson worked as a reporter and editor for several newspapers and magazines. In the early 1970s she transitioned to television, initially producing cultural segments for local stations. In 1979 she launched Connie Martinson Talks About Books on the public‑television station KETC in St. Louis, Missouri. The series was syndicated to numerous PBS member stations across the United States and was also broadcast internationally.
The program distinguished itself by conducting one‑on‑one interviews that emphasized the authors’ personal histories, creative processes, and the broader cultural significance of their work. Notable guests included Ray Bradbury, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Norman Mailer, Margaret Atwood, and John Updike. Over its nearly four‑decade run, the series produced more than 1,400 episodes, many of which are archived in university and public libraries.
In addition to her television work, Martinson authored several books on literature and interviewing techniques, including The Art of the Interview (1992) and Talk About Books: A Conversation with Authors (2005). She was a frequent speaker at literary festivals and served on the boards of several literary non‑profits.
Awards and recognition
Martinson received multiple honors for her contributions to literary education and public broadcasting, including a National Endowment for the Arts grant (1998) and the American Library Association's Literary Achievement Award (2004). She was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2010.
Personal life and death
Connie Martinson was married to journalist Robert Martinson; the couple had two children. She remained active in literary circles well into her 80s. Martinson died on October 9, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 98.
Legacy
Martinson’s interview series is regarded as a significant contribution to American literary culture, providing a platform for authors to reach a broad audience and preserving primary source material for scholars. The extensive archive of Connie Martinson Talks About Books continues to be used for academic research and public programming.