Books Cubed: Interviews, Raves, & Reads
by bookscubed
I’m Melissa Banczak, author of the June Nash Mysteries, and co-author of the Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts Series with Lisa Mahoney. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I started this show to rave about new discoveries, chat with indie and small publishing house authors, and occasionally share from my works in progress. This is Books Cubed: Interviews, Raves, & Reads.
Episodes
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Books Cubed Ep 154 - It's Rolling Prompt Time with our World Building & Fantasy Kickstarter
Good Adventures, This week, it’s a rolling prompt show using the new volume that Lisa and I have up on Kickstarter. It’s live as of today and runs until Nov 21, 2026 ending at 6pm eastern. I’m joined by AE Mckenna, Sam Hayes, and Eric Stallsworth and we roll for two prompts and write. For anyone...
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Books Cubed Ep 153 - Spooky watchers, cats, and Kickstarter with author Caryn Larrinaga
Good Adventures, Spooky watchers, cats, and kickstarter. Today I’m chatting with Caryn Larrinaga. She writes spooky stories and has a new kickstarter that ends in 7 days, so you need to be quick or you’ll miss out! Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Caryn Larrinaga’s Website:...
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Books Cubed Ep 152: Authors and Narrators with Christian Hurst & Aryn Mello Pryor
Good Adventures, Are you an author wondering what it's like to work with a narrator? You're in luck! Today, I'm joined by author Christian Hurst & narrator Aryn Mello Pryor and they take us through their process. Links: Christian Hurst Books: https://www.churstpublishing.com Lily Starling and the...
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Books Cubed Ep 151 - Co-Authoring with Tilia Jacobs & Norman Birnbach
Good Adventures, If you're a writer who has considered co-authoring, you need to listen to this week's show. I'm joined by Tilia Jacobs & Norman Birnbach, two authors who have successfully tackled co-authoring and they discuss the ins and outs. Comment on our Youtube page. Links: Get their latest...
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Books Cubed Ep 150 Minotaur Romance Audiobooks & Kickstarter with author Cassandra Medcalf
Good Adventures, On today’s show, I chat with Cassandra Medcalf, the narrator for my June Nash series. Comment over on our Youtube page. She’s also an author of spicy romance, her latest, a minotaur romance premiered on Kickstarter and funded in one hour! Now through June 12, you can get 50% off...
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Books Cubed Ep 149: Author Stephanie G. Olson, Fantasy, bad horror movies, & her high rank on Amazon
Good Adventures, This week I welcome fantasy author Stephanie G. Olson. We chatted about her novel, Still Chosen, which is currently number 22 in humerous fantasy on Amazon, favorite bad horror movies, helpful husbands, and her writing process. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links:...
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Books Cubed Ep 148: MisAdventures of RPG Dice with Author Douglas Van Dyke
Good Adventures, I welcomed Douglas Van Dyke to the show this week to talk RPG games and fantasy books. I discovered him at Rewind Book Fair and had a blast reading his book, MisAdventures of RPG Dice. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Douglas’s Website. Sign up for his newsletter, see...
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Books Cubed Ep 147 - Cozy Queer Fantasy with JP Rindfleisch IX
Good Adventures, The name JP Rindfleisch might ring a bell because he's one of the hosts of Writers, Ink. Or mabye you discovered him on tiktok thanks to the perfect elevator pitch for his novel, Mandrake Manor. Either way, you'll really enjoy this week's show. I was thrilled to chat with JP…
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Books Cubed Ep 146: Portal Fantasy Amy of Earth CHs 1-4 Voice Acted by Rebecca Brokaw-Sands
Good Adventures, This week I'm excited to share the first four chapters of my portal fantasy Amy of Earth Freefall as voice acted by Rebecca Brokaw-Sands. I hope you enjoy it. Book two, Fearless is out in paperback and Ebook and soon will be in audio as well. Comment on our Youtube channel.…
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Books Cubed Ep 145 - It’s Writing Prompt Time! Variety Shows, Suspicion, and the Word Repair
Good Adventures, Today it’s writing prompt fun! Lisa and I are joined by author Ansley Ashe and we created a prompt from the Mystery edition of our Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts Series. If you would like to write with us on a future show, drop Melissa a note.…
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Books Cubed Ep 144: Jeremy James Smith Updates on the 90K Person Show He Attended as an Author
Good Adventures, This week is the final part of my in-person show interviews. Today, I’m chatting with Jeremy James Smith, who just attended an event that expected 90 thousand people over four days. Let’s see how it went. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Jeremy’s Series on Amazon:...
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Books Cubed Ep 143: In-Person Shows, Part two, with Persian Fantasy Author Amber Hansford
Good Adventures, This is part two of my three part series on authors selling at in-person shows. Today, I’m chatting with Persian Fantasy author Amber Hansford. She has lot of great advice. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: https://www.printful.com Here's the battery -...
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Books Cubed Ep 142: Multi Award Winning Author Carol Van Den Hende Chats in Person Shows
Good Adventures, This week, I welcome multi award winning author Carol Van Den Hende to chat about interacting with readers at in person books shows. She has some excellent advice and an amazing story about a book club that welcomed her with a standout reception. Comment over on our Youtube...
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Books Cubed Ep 141: Simply to Die for, an audio drama discussion with CJ Corl and Cait McNeal
Good Adventures, This week, it’s murder and mayhem as we discuss the audio drama, Simply to Die for! My guests are writer CJ Corl and actress Kait McNeal. It’s a bump in the night good time! Comment over on our YouTube Channel. Links: CJ Corl: found (infrequently) on most social media websites at...
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Books Cubed Ep 140: Thriller Author Joe Battaglia on his new book and years covering Winter Olympics
Good Adventures, The Winter Olympics are my favorite time to veg in front of the tv at all hours so I'm thrilled to chat with author Joe Battaglia about his new book, Beneath the Rings, a thriller about kidnapped athletes at the 2040 Olympics and the reporter who must figure out why it happened....
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Books Cubed Ep 139: Tolkien's Trolls and Ren Fairs with Fantasy Author Jeremy James Smith
Good Adventures, I was so happy to chat with Jeremy this week. He's in the middle of an eight book fantasy series and promises more to come! We talked about writing styles, making worlds your own, and the very cool way he sells in person at Renaissance fairs. You won't want to miss this one....
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Books Cubed Ep 138: Book Narrator Rebecca Brokaw - Sands
Good Adventures, I'm excited to have book narrator, Rebecca Brokaw-Sands join me today. If you are an indie author, you'll want to check out her work. She's not just a narrator, she's a voice actor who will bring your book to life. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links:...
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Books Cubed Ep 137: Join me for a quick visit to the Hemingway house in Key West
Good Adventures, This week I'm inviting you to tagalong on my trip to the Hemingway house in Key West. Comment over on our YouTube page. Links: https://www.hemingwayhome.com ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking. You'll find my cozies, portal fantasy series, and Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts...
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Books Cubed Ep 136: Fantasy novels with Author-Illustrator H. Gorlitz Scott
Good Adventures, This week, I'm chatting fantasy books, maps with author-illustrator H. Gorlitz Scott, who also offers advice on how authors can help their cover artists. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: The River Cleanup club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reconcentralflorida/...
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Books Cubed Ep 135: Freak shows, book awards, and music festivals with award-winning Author, Mark Mustian
Good Adventures, This week, I'm talking freak shows, book awards, and music festivals with award-winning Author, Mark Mustian. Comment over on our YouTube channel. Links: https://markmustian.com/ https://wordofsouthfestival.com/ https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com/ ~~~ What do I write? Thanks for...
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Books Cubed Ep 134: Wolf conservation and howling with author Leokadia George
Good Adventures, This week, Leokadia George joins me to talk wolves, howling, and writing a children's book series about Trumpet the miracle Wolf pup. Comment over on our YouTube page. Links: https://nywolf.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Trumpet-Miracle-Wolf-Leokadia-George/dp/1954819595/ ~~~ What…
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Books cubed Ep 133: Merry Christmas 2025. Melissa shares some of her favorite books in this short and sweet episode..
Good adventures, If you celebrate, Merry Christmas 2025. I wanted to share some favorite books with you. You'll find links to them below. Happy reading! Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Salem Anthology - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XRBYGDM https://www.tiktok.com/@jprindfleisch...
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Books Cubed Ep 132: Author Christian Hurst - Lily and the Voyage of the Salamander
Good Adventures, This week, I am chatting with science fiction author Christian Hurst about his award-winning novel, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander. We talk books, marketing, and beagles. Comment over on YouTube channel. Links: https://www.churstpublishing.com/...
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Books Cubed Ep 131: Author Nancy Christie & Midlife Moxie Series Characters over 50!
Good Adventures, I had a great time chatting with Nancy Christie about her Midlife Moxie Books Series with characters over 50! And you can read them in any order. Each is a standalone. Comment over on our Youtube page. Links: https://www.nancychristie.com https://www.gotprint.com/home.html ~~~~...
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Books Cubed Ep 130: Author Neil Christiansen & his novel Malcolm Karma Cold Turkey
Good Adventures, This week I’m chatting with Neil Christiansen about his you tube audio book series. He reads one chapter a week from his new book followed by behind the scenes commentary in the form of an interview. It’s a really cool project. Comment over on our YouTube channel. Links we...
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Books Cubed Ep 129 - Small Town Stories Bookstore in Lutz Florida
Good Adventures, This week, I'm chatting with the owner of a new bookstore in Lutz, Florida, Small Town Stories. She specializes in Indie authors! The grand opening is Nov 22, 2025. If you're an indie author who'd like to apply to be carried in her store, check out the links below. To comment on...
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Books Cubed Ep 128 - Enchanted Wolf, mound of Ash, and a Corset - It's writing Prompt Time Again
Good Adventures, Fantasy author AE McKenna returns for a Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts session. Today, we used the fantasy edition and rolled for an enchanted wolf, a mound of ash, and a corset. We set the timer for 30 minutes, wrote, and then read! It was a good time. Wanna play too? Try our...
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Books Cubed Ep 127 Urban Fantasy Author AE McKenna
Good Adventures, This week, I'm talking cats, pizza, and magic with urban fantasy author AE McKenna. Comment over on our YouTube page so I see it! Links: Join her newsletter and buy books at https://aemckenna.com/ Donate to the kitties at https://ankenytnr.org/ ~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for...
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Boooks Cubed Ep 126 with Thriller Author W.A. Pepper
Good Adventures, I'm back from another hiatus with thriller author W.A. Pepper. We dive deep into icy storms and the fight for survival in his latest novel, One Icy Night. Comment over on our YouTube page so I see it! Links: DoGoodR: A Tanto Technothriller [A FREE ebook for your readers to see if...
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Ep 125 - Chatting Libraries with Romantasy author Nicole LaBrocca
Good Adventures, Recently, I got to chat about one of my favorite subjects with romantasy author Nicole LaBrocca - libraries! Are you a fan? Leave us a comment on my youtube page (so I see it) and tell us about your local library. Links: https://nicolelabrocca.com/...
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Ep 124 - A Kleptomaniac, a canoe, and a window washer. It's writing prompt time.
Good Adventures, In this episode, it's horror! Lisa and I are joined by author Lacey Gordon. Lisa picked a random page in our Horror Writing Jumpstarts edition and Lacie rolled for: A Kleptomaniac, a canoe, and a window washer. As usual, we wrote for 30 minutes and I begged for another ten. And I...
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Ep 123 - Author Gigi Lain and her debut novel, Little but Fierce
Good Adventures, Today I'm chatting with a new favorite author, Gigi Lain. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel, Little but Fierce, and highly recommend it! Comment over on my Youtube channel. Purchase Links: Amazon Google Books Kobo Gigi Lain Website ~~~~~~ What do I write? Thanks for asking.…
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Ep 122 - Neil the Squeal Gets a Deal - A Christmas Elf in Witness Protection with Author Victoria Rocus
Good Adventures, I found the funniest, weirdest, oddest, Vella serial story and you have to read it! Victoria Rocus, the author joins me for the chat. When you're done listening, drop down to the show notes and go read this story! Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Neil the Squeal on...
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Ep 121 - Saving a Soul with Cuddles
Good Adventures, Feeling lost? Maybe you need a cuddle. Filmmaker and author Jason O’Brien dove into the world of cuddling and healed himself in the process. In our chat, he takes us through what led to his films, Cuddle and My Body is Not Obscene, and eventually his memoir Cuddle Me. Comment…
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Ep 120 Butterfly Shifters, Guardian Angels, and Author TK Lawyer
Good Adventures, Today I’m talking Butterfly Shifters and Guardian Angels with author TK Lawyer. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Buy signed copies direct. Follow her on Instagram. Enjoy her book trailers here. Jan 20 and 21, 2024 she’ll be at the Central Florida Comic Con in Lakeland....
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Imposter Tendencies and The Lost Girl with Allison Spooner
Good Adventures, Today I’m chatting with author Allison Spooner about her YA novel The Lost Girl. In a desperate attempt to save her dying daughter, a mother sends the thirteen year old off toward the second star to the right and straight on till morning. Want to watch this as a video? You'll…
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Ep 118 Silly Squirrels Benefit Lions
Good Adventures, Today I’m chatting with author/illustrator Amy Quig about her picture book, Good Night Squirrels, an adorable rhyming book that follows the antics of three young squirrels as they play with their forest friends and learn a few lessons along the way. A portion of proceeds benefits...
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Award Winning Children’s Author Sheryl Bass
Good Adventures, Today I’m chatting with multi-award winning children’s author Sheryl Bass about her book, Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze. Comment over on the YouTube channel. Links: Purchase Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze at Be-Kind Publishing...
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Santa and the children’s book, Feisty Finds her Magic
Good Adventures, Today, I'm chatting with Santa about the children's book, Feisty Finds her Magic. For the next few weeks, you can join the Indigogo campaign and get your name or your business in the book! Get on the nice list. Put those family members, you know who they are, on that naughty…
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Wild Deadwood Reads Book Convention
Good Adventures, I am chatting with authors KJ Gillenwater and Jean Alfieri about our recent experience at Wild Deadwood Reads Book Convention. The ladies have plenty of advice for authors and readers heading to book convention. Comment over on the Youtube channel so I see it and respond! Links ~...
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Romance with Mary Waterford A.K.A. Susan McEwan
Good Adventures, Yes, I do realized that it's May the 5th. Ah well. Thanks for joining me today. I thoroughly enjoyed this chat with Romance author Susan McEwan. Comment over on the youtube channel. Links: https://www.marywaterford.com Blessed Inlet Series is available on Amazon at:...
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Author Nikolai Wisekal and his Galaxy Waffles, a weirdly wonderful serial on Kindle Vella
Good Adventures, This week, I’m chatting with author Nikolai Wisekal about his weirdly wonderful serial Galaxy Waffles. It's waffle house in the sky but with robots, sushi thieves and politics. It's a must read that will keep you laughing. Links: Galaxy Waffles -...
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All Things Tudor with Historian and USA Today Best Selling Author Deb Hunter
Good Adventures, Today, I'm chatting with USA Today Best Selling author about her podcast All Things Tudor and her work as a historical fiction author. Links: All Things Tudor - https://allthingstudor.com All Things Tudor, the Magazine -...
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Why You Must Edit Your Book with Developmental Editor Kit Gulick
Good Adventures, I'm chatting with developmental editor Kit Gulick today and we talk - editing, and of course, Kindle Vella. Links: https://www.kittygulick.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittygulick/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kittygulick Strunk and White Elements of Style -...
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Writing Prompts on Tiktok Live with Kindle Vella Authors
Good Adventures, Lisa and I were joined recently on tiktok live by authors Collings MacCrae and EA Blackwell. We rolled dice, wrote, and had a blast. Links: Collings MacCrae - Collings MacCrae | Linktree Author EA Blackwell - https://www.eablackwell.com Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series -...
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Favorite Kindle Vellas, paperbacks and audiobooks of 2021 with Kitty Gulick
Good Adventures, Kitty Gulick joins me for a wrap up of our favorite reads of 2021. Comment over on the youtube channel. Kitty's list of Vellas: The Selfie of Cala Ivory by Mae MacCallum (https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09KWHBJTF) Millicent Miggles, the Yuletide Witch by Azrielle…
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Exterminators, Vanishing Birds, and Vella - More Writing Prompts
Good Adventures, Happy New Year! I'm so happy to be back with two Kindle Vella authors for a writing prompt show. Sadly, we're without my co-author Lisa Mahoney, we missed you Lisa. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Roll-A-Prompt Writing Journal Series Gage Greenwood: Winter's Myths...
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Kindle Vella Ruin of the Watcher with Collings MacCrae
Good Adventures, I'm chatting with Collings MacCrae about her Kindle Vella serials, The Ruin of the Watcher, and The Sweater Case. Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: Ruin of the Watcher The Sweater Case You can chat with Collings MacCrae on: Twitter @ collingsmaccrae Instagram...
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Genesis Machine - A UFO Conspiracy Vella Interview with KJ Gillenwater
Good Adventures, If you're a fan of shows like the X files, Manifest, and Lost, you will love the new serial Vella story Genesis Machine. Meet the author and then go read! Comment over on our Youtube channel. Links: The Genesis Machine Learn more at her website On the Kindle app, token start at...
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Smoke and Magic - Death Rite Genie with Author AE McKenna
Good Adventures, I'm back from my summer hiatus. Which I forgot to tell anyone about. Ah well. On this show this week, AE McKenna returns to chat about being part of the Amazon beta for hard cover books. You'll want to stick around for the whole show to hear how you could win a signed hard back...
About this show
I’m Melissa Banczak, author of the June Nash Mysteries, and co-author of the Roll-A-Prompt Writing Jumpstarts Series with Lisa Mahoney. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I started this show to rave about new discoveries, chat with indie and small publishing house authors, and occasionally share from my works in progress. This is Books Cubed: Interviews, Raves, & Reads.
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