Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties

In this episode of Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, hosts Aims and Shiloh engage in a lively discussion with YBB member McKenzie about their favorite books, reading habits, and the joy of gifting books to others. McKenzie shares her journey back into reading, highlighting her love for romance and fantasy genres. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of book communities, the impact of book recommendations, and funny anecdotes. This episode touches on the heart of Your Bookish Bestie: connection, support, and positivity in the bookish community. McKenzie was one of two Patreon members who won a spotlight on the podcast. We love shining a light on our supportive besties.Tell us in the comments: do you read holiday books? Is it a year-round thing, or before Christmas only? Join our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bgcee3hH1/Shop YBB goodies here: https://www.yourbookishbestieshop.com/

In this authentic, heartwarming podcast episode, hosts Aims and Sophia welcome Your Bookish Bestie modmin, Paige. Paige shares about her literary experiences and studies, and the way her tastes have changed over time, as well as her favorite things about the YBB group, her most unhinged reads, and her favorite books of 2025. As always, tangents occur and cover topics like submarines in Mexico. Question for this episode: are you a 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie fan, or a Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice tv series fan? Inquiring besties want to know.

"How weird can I do this? How weird can it get?" In this much-awaited episode of Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, hosts Aims and Katey welcome author January Rayne to discuss her journey as a writer, her popular Monster Smut series, and the intricacies of her creative process. January shares insights into her writing inspirations, the challenges of balancing personal life with a writing career, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. January even shares a glimpse of the upcoming monster in her next installation of the Shallow Cove Dimensions series and what he may be like. KeywordsJanuary Rayne, Monster Smut, writing journey, indie publishing, reader support, creative process, vulnerability, authenticity, storytelling, indie authors, honeysuckles, hollyhocks, nightshade

In this wildly, wonderfully weird episode of Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, author Molly Pereda shares about her writing journey with hosts Aims, Shiloh, and Katey (who was forced to abandon her current read to appear on the podcast). Molly's debut novel, Joy Ride, recently released and she shares insight from her writing journey, sources of inspiration, and a glimpse at what her life is like. Hosts share about the joys of reading and their favorite current reads.You can find Joy Ride here: Joy Ridehttps://a.co/d/9rPBZM5Become a bestie here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ybbcommunityTell us in the comments, what's the most unhinged book you've ever read?

In this episode of Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, hosts Aims and Katey welcome Gabrielle, affectionately known as Gabalicious, to share her journey with the Your Bookish Bestie (YBB) community. The conversation flows from light-hearted introductions to deeper discussions about Gabrielle's background in dance and law, her recent travels to Lisbon and Morocco, and the cultural insights she gained from her experiences. The hosts explore themes of community, sharing, and the importance of connection, all while maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere. The episode wraps up with reflections on personal growth and the joy of friendship. It is a gift to be known so well and loved by others. If you loved this episode and want to join in on the bookish bestie camaraderie, you can join our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710929697612776

In this engaging episode, hosts Aims and Katey highlight Your Bookish Bestie modmin, Aubrey. They dive into favorite reads of 2025, with Aubrey sharing her love for books like The Knight and the Moth and Shield of Sparrows. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they discuss the quirks of book series naming conventions and the joys of reading with friends. Aubrey also reflects on her journey back into reading, sparked by titles like "Mistborn" and "Where the Crawdads Sing," and shares her appreciation for historical fiction, particularly the works of Kristin Hannah. The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes about parenting, community building, and the unexpected surprises of life.Our question to the besties: do you like contemporary, historical fiction, or fantasy reads better? Join us over on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19zHY7hK7E/

"Creativity is what fuels my role as an admin."Join hosts Aims and Katey for an inspiring conversation with Jodi, our featured admin, as she shares her journey from joining a local book club to co-founding a gemstone bracelet business with her daughter. Discover how Jodi's passion for community and creativity has shaped her role as an admin, and learn about the personal stories and connections that fuel her dedication. Whether you're interested in small business insights, book genre debates, or a message about the power of community, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into Jodi's world. Tune in for a blend of bookish laughter, wisdom, and inspiration!Tell us, listeners, what your favorite part about the Your Bookish Bestie community is! Keywords: Your Bookish Bestie, admin, community, books, tbr list, crystals, bracelets, photography, Elladi Bracelets, From Blood and Ash, Flowers for Algernon, The Fabric of the Realm.

"Embrace your uniqueness."In this episode of Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, hosts Aims and Shiloh join author Nico Harlakenden. Nico is an accomplished author, editor, and artist. They discuss Nico's latest anthology project, Forbidden Fruit, which explores themes of the forbidden through a collection of dark speculative fiction stories from eighteen different authors. The conversation delves into Nico's creative process, influences from metaphysical practices like tarot, and the challenges of running a Kickstarter campaign. The hosts and Nico offer personal anecdotes, discuss natal charts, share insights into writing journeys, and highlight the importance of self-advocacy and community support. Connect with Nico (and buy copies of The Forbidden Fruit) here: https://nicoharlakenden.carrd.co/KeywordsPlotter, Pantser, Writing Styles, Creative Process, Storytelling, Humor, Insights, Writing Journey, Author Discussion, Writing Techniques, Metaphysics, Astrology, Anthology, Forbidden Fruit, Nico Harlakenden, Newton Press, Publishing houses, indie publishing, trad publishing

"I have always been a story maker in my head."In this engaging podcast episode, E.K. Dusk shares her journey as an indie author, discussing the challenges and triumphs of publishing her first book with hosts Aims and Katey. She reflects on her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the emotional connections she has with her work. The conversation also touches on the impact of reader reviews, the loneliness that can accompany the writing journey, and the importance of community support. E.K. emphasizes the need for authenticity in storytelling and the cathartic nature of writing, while also sharing her excitement for future projects and the release of her upcoming book.Purchase Written in Sin here: https://a.co/d/d0pQJ97Tell us in the comments if you've added Written in Sin to your TBR yet, and what your stance is on alligators!TakeawaysWritten in Sin Released October 16th.Indie publishing is a challenging yet rewarding journey.Community support is vital for indie authors.Writing can be both cathartic and re-traumatizing.E.K. Dusk plans to continue her series with more interconnected stories.KeywordsE.K. Dusk, indie publishing, writing process, character development, book release, author interview, emotional connection, reader expectations, personal experience, community

In this episode, hosts Aims and Shiloh highlight Katey, a Your Bookish Bestie Admin. Katey is dubbed the "backbone of YBB," and her behind-the-scenes work to keep the group organized and engaging are discussed at length. Together, they chat about some of their recent reads, explore podcast sound effects, compare the differences in geography and language across US regions, and share about the effort it took for Katey to agree to her very own podcast episode. As always, the besties bring humor, fun, and warmth to their talk about real-life, the books they've bonded over, and their heart for all things related to Your Bookish Bestie.Chime in on the bookish bestie conversation: Share your thoughts on house slippers and your British Literature recommendations.Would you like to join the bookish fun? You can participate in daily book-related camaraderie here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710929697612776Keywords: Books, Your Bookish Bestie, January Rayne, Book Recommendations, Monster Books, Friendship, Laughter, Indie Authors, Author PA

"The books are the rehab."In this episode of Coffee Talk with the Besties, Aims, Katey, and Shiloh welcome Cassie, known as The Bibliophagist, to discuss her journey in the indie author space. Cassie shares her lifelong love for books, her experiences as a proofreader and reviewer, and her mission to support indie authors. The discussion touches on the challenges indie authors face, the importance of community support, and Cassie's personal story of writing a book. The conversation also explores the dynamics of the book community on platforms like TikTok, the integrity required in author interactions, and a deep dive into various genres, particularly dark fantasy. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the therapeutic nature of reading, particularly in the context of indie books. They discuss personal experiences with relationships and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of community and connection among readers and authors. The conversation highlights the creation of resources for indie readers and the unique accessibility of indie authors, fostering a deeper connection between them and their audience. The speakers also share their excitement about engaging with authors and the power of community in the literary world.Connect with The Bibliophagist: https://linktr.ee/thebibliophagist?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareTakeawaysCassie believes in providing free support to authors without charging for reviews.Cassie's personal experiences with chronic pain have shaped her perspective on life and literature.Community support is vital for indie authors to thrive.Reading can help navigate complex relationships and emotions.Indie authors are more accessible and open to reader feedback.Community engagement is vital for both readers and authors.Indie books often provide emotionally charged narratives.Readers can discover new genres and authors through indie resources.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/thebibliophagist?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&amp;ltsid=1

"You belong, babe."In this lively conversation, hosts Amy, Katey, and Shiloh engage with Your Bookish Bestie modmin, Courtney, in a warm and humorous discussion about their lives, current reads, and the importance of community among millennial moms. They share personal anecdotes and book recommendations. The conversation flows through various topics, including the challenges of parenting, the joy of reading, and the significance of friendship in their lives. In this lively conversation, the speakers explore themes of kindness, community, and the joy of connection. They discuss the importance of maintaining a soft heart in a challenging world, the sense of belonging fostered within the Your Bookish Bestie community, and the joy derived from engaging with one another. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, favorite movies, parenting humor, and clothing choices, all while emphasizing the significance of laughter and shared experiences.

"Books can bring people together and create lasting friendships."This podcast episode is a lively and engaging conversation between Katey, Aims, and Jessica, where they discuss a variety of topics including their shared love for books, personal anecdotes, and the dynamics of their friendship. They delve into their experiences with reading, favorite genres, and the impact of certain books on their lives. The conversation also touches on family, pets, favorite sports teams, and humorous stories about their interactions. The episode is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a genuine sense of connection among the hosts, giving you a chance to get to know the names and faces behind Your Bookish Bestie in depth.TakeawaysBooks can bring people together and create lasting friendships.Discussing favorite genres can reveal a lot about a person's personality.Pets often play a significant role in personal stories and anecdotes.Reading can be a form of escapism and personal growth.Keywordspodcast, friendship, books, reading, personal stories, humor, camaraderie, Your Bookish Bestie, Hooked

"Fear is the best teacher."In this fun, authentic podcast episode, hosts Katey and Aims discuss various topics ranging from their love for chickens and pets to the importance of community and support in their lives with Chelsea, a key member of the Your Bookish Bestie team. Besties can find her behind the scenes, creating the incredible graphics and Elfster experiences everyone loves. Chelsea shares her journey of starting her own business, Silver Spurs, which focuses on natural health products like elderberry syrup and colloidal silver. The conversation highlights the benefits of these products, personal experiences with them, and the significance of promoting health and wellness in everyday life.TakeawaysThe joy of having chickens as pets can bring happiness to children.Community support is essential for personal growth and success.Chelsea's journey in creating her business was inspired by her daughter's health needs.Natural remedies like elderberry syrup can be effective for health issues.Colloidal silver is a valuable product that can aid in recovery.The importance of making health products accessible and affordable for families.Building a supportive network can alleviate feelings of isolation.Keywords: community, books, your bookish bestie, colloidal silver, elderberry syrup, silver spurs, besties, friendship, health

"I do enjoy something that makes you feel."In this engaging conversation, JL Vampa discusses her journey as an author, her writing process, and the inspiration behind her books with Katey. She shares insights into her favorite genres, the importance of mental health themes in her work, and her experiences with book releases. The discussion also touches on her personal life, including her mixed-race relationship and upcoming projects.KeywordsJL Vampa, author, writing process, inspiration, mental health, book releases, mixed-race relationship, upcoming projects

"Crafting a world with intricate lore is a labor of love."In this episode of Coffee Talk, hosts Katey and Amy welcome S.B. Ryazakhov, the brilliant mind behind the debut fantasy romance novel, "The Fabric of the Realm." S.B. shares her journey of crafting a world filled with intricate lore and compelling characters, inspired by her love for EDM, Sleep Token, and classic fairy tales. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of writing, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the layers of magic woven into her narrative. Join us for an engaging discussion that explores the heart and soul of S.B.'s enchanting debut.Keywords: Fantasy Romance, S.B. Ryazakhov, The Fabric of the Realm, Storytelling, Authenticity, EDM, Fairy Tales

"I feel like the sexist thing is honestly emotional regulation." This episode features a conversation between Devon Atwood and besties Shiloh and Katey. Devon is an accomplished author known for weaving mental health themes into romance narratives. Devon shares her lifelong passion for writing, recounting how she began crafting stories at a young age and continued to develop their skills through college. The discussion delves into how Devon's background in counseling influences her portrayal of characters, emphasizing emotional regulation and healthy relationships. Devon also talks about her reading habits, drawing inspiration from authors like Tessa Dare, and how these influences shape her creative process. The conversation is rich with insights into the intersection of mental health and storytelling, offering listeners a unique perspective on the art of writing.Keywords: Devon Atwood, podcast, writing journey, mental health, emotional regulation, storytelling, Tessa Dare, inspiration, creative process.

"Embrace the cringe."In this engaging podcast episode, indie author Rhea Ridge shares her journey into the world of writing, discussing her experiences with reader feedback, the impact of COVID on her reading habits, and the themes she explores in her sci-fi romance novels. Rhea emphasizes the importance of community support in indie publishing and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating reviews, the significance of world-building, and Rhea's future writing plans.Keywords: indie author, alien romance, writing journey, reader feedback, sci-fi themes, community support, self-publishing, book reviews, world-building, aspiring authors

"Books can be conduits to awareness and conversation."In this engaging conversation, Kristin Ward shares her journey as an author, reflecting on the profound impact of her seventh-grade English teacher who inspired her love for writing. The discussion delves into the appeal of young adult fiction, the importance of world building in writing, and the emotional connections readers have with books. Kristin also shares her experiences with author takeovers and the unique writing environment she creates for herself. The conversation highlights the lasting influence of teachers and the power of literature to evoke deep emotions and foster awareness. In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Kristin Ward explore the emotional connections readers have with literature, particularly in the fantasy genre. They discuss favorite series, the impact of world-building, and the humor found in the bookish lifestyle. The conversation also touches on the joy of collecting books and the healthy addiction that comes with it, as well as insights into Kristin's writing process and upcoming projects.

In this lively debut episode of "Coffee Talk with the Besties," hosts Amy and Katey dive into a candid conversation about their love for books, the quirks of podcasting, and the joys of connecting with their community. They share personal anecdotes, discuss their current reads, and explore the dynamics of their friendship. The episode is filled with humor, warmth, and a genuine passion for storytelling, setting the stage for an engaging series ahead.