The Fantasy Grimoire

In this week’s episode we discuss Ema’s latest release and the emotional alchemy of turning fear into art. The Smog Cursed Kingdom will mark a shift in her career, and we dive into how she leveraged her industry experience to navigate a new genre while staying true to her own voice.The Birth of "Traumantasy": We explore this emerging subgenre and what it means to weave deep emotional healing into fantastical worlds.The "Not For Everyone" Philosophy: Ema gets candid about the reality that no book is universal—and why that’s actually a good thing.Embracing the DNF: While some authors fear the "Did Not Finish" shelf on Goodreads, we talk about why we actually love it.The Review Spiral: How authors (and humans!) tend to hunt for the one negative comment in a sea of praise, and how to stop picking yourself apart.Sobriety & Writing: A vulnerable look at balancing real-life challenges with professional goals. Ema shares how her sobriety journey has reshaped her process and how we’re both navigating a culture often centered around drinking.Boundaries & Public Personas: Why keeping an open mind—and a firm set of boundaries—is essential for authors and readers in today’s digital landscape.Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a dedicated reader, this conversation is a raw, refreshing look at the human being behind the book. Ema knows exactly who she is, and she isn’t pretending to be anyone else. And more than anything, that’s the type of voice we need in publishing.

Elva’s entry into book conventions began when she started tattooing at them, and it’s safe to say she’s been deeply embedded in the book community ever since. One thing that stands out immediately about her is how committed she is to giving back. She’s passionate about helping readers and authors connect with stories—and with each other—which is exactly why the welcome packets for Spellbound Book Convention are famously detailed. Elva shares everything she’s learned so others don’t have to make the same mistakes she did.In this episode we talk about:Building community through book events and why spaces like Spellbound matterHow Elva approaches the difficult discourse around book conventionsThe growing demand for English-language fantasy across EuropeWhy Dutch summers are absolutely magnificent—and one of Europe’s most underrated experiences while everyone else rushes to the MediterraneanCreating spaces where books can become solace and escapism when we need them mostAnd why patience and kindness at book conventions go a long way—because authors are people too, and everyone is doing their best⚠️ Spoiler note: If you haven’t read Legendborn or Immortal Dark, we do touch on a few small spoilers during the episode.

It’s always a treat to find a fellow millenial who has similar tastes in media to you, so we shall dub this, the millenial episode. An ARC reader brough Stevie and I together, and I’m so grateful for the oppurtunity to get to follow Steview and her journey. In this episode, we chat about writing layered characters that reflect our real-life experiences, and how Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friends helped inspire Shadow of Lillith.We also get into:Why character growth and real change on the page is non-negotiableDiscovering identity at any stage of life—and how to weave that authentically into fictionWhy representation in storytelling matters now more than everThe unspoken author responsibility to emotionally wreck your readers (lovingly) so they have to keep readingThe noticeable shift in how indie authors are viewed by readers—and treated by the publishing industry

I’ve been on a kick of reading authors who are new to me, falling headfirst into their books, and then immediately tracking them down on social media so I can have them on the podcast, which sounds way creepier than I mean it to. But Sheila is a perfect example of this.⚠️ Spoiler warning: We discuss The Poison Daughter throughout this episode.Sheila talks about using writing to process intense emotions. While her stories are dark and driven by feminine rage, she’s sweet, bubbly, and thoughtful in person—which makes for a fascinating contrast.In this episode, we dive into:Spice, power, and empowerment in The Poison DaughterThe structure of enemies-to-lovers in fantasyChronic illness representationLuck, timing, and the uncomfortable truth about “making it” as an authorFast-paced, thoughtful, and full of craft talk—this one’s a must-listen.

Spoiler Warnings: The Kindred Curse SagaThere’s something magical about getting a front-row seat to your favourite author’s mind. Penn is genuinely one of the kindest people in this industry — thoughtful, generous, and the kind of storyteller you could listen to for hours.She reminds us that being a full-time author is possible, and she walks us through the realities of creative life, including the Dunning–Kruger effect and why so many of us struggle to trust our own art. In a world obsessed with chasing the next viral hit, she’s encouraging us to focus on craft first and trust that the marketing will follow.I also introduce her to what I’m calling the “Penn Cole Effect,” and she breaks down the thinking behind her hybrid publishing deal — including why she refused to settle for anything less than what she knew she deserved, even when her dream felt far-fetched. This episode is an absolute must for any indie author!

When I struggled to find a designer to interview, Nikkita didn’t hesitate to step in. To those that have been around for a while, you know she holds a special place in my heart: her first episode is what kickstarted this entire podcast journey, and she’s a very dear friend of mine too. Coming back this time, she shares everything from a designer’s perspective—and truly, no topic is off limits.We talk about hated characters in literature, the key differences artists consider when creating book covers versus character art, and the fantasy sub-genre cover trends we’re seeing right now. Nikkita breaks down how talent, experience, and instinct guide her creative process, and we even get candid about bodies, anatomy, nipples (yes, really), and what it’s like living with breast implants.We also dive into taking familiar urban fantasy tropes and making them uniquely our own, researching experiences you haven’t personally lived so you can still write them authentically, and the often-misunderstood difference between commercial and usage rights. Also, why pre-made covers and character art are becoming increasingly appealing for artists.Most importantly, we talk about trust—what she hopes authors keep in mind when working with artists, and why a strong, respectful author–artist relationship is essential to creating something truly special.You can find Nikkita on Instagram here.

Spoiler Warnings: Their Series, The Sundered Realms Universe & The Kindred Curse SagaMeeting Parker and Bree was genuinely one of the coolest moments of my podcasting journey — and a powerful reminder of what true creative friendship can accomplish. Inspired by a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, these two co-authors have an effortless way of building a shared vision and finding compromise when the story demands it.They talk about the power readers hold — especially how word of mouth can change an author’s entire trajectory — and Parker gives us a glimpse into her author-artist perspective. We also get the official pronunciations for some of their character and series names, and they even confirm a few of my theories about the Ascended.We dive into why they took a different approach to crafting their trials when writing The Ascended, how that choice shaped the uniqueness of the story, and if their readers have caught all the Easter Eggs they’ve left throughout the books…which now means I need to reread the entire series.You can find Parker on Instagram here and Bree on Instagram here.

Shari joins me to unpack the journey of creating her first fantasy series—how the story refused to let her go even when life got messy, and how the worlds we build can evolve right alongside us. We dive into her world-building philosophy, the unexpected challenges that come with it, and why reading remains one of the most powerful tools an author has to level up their craft.We talk about staying open to inspiration at any moment (and actually writing it down), whether pronunciation guides are a must in high fantasy, and why readers crave real stakes and real consequences. Shari also shares how she decides which ideas deserve a full investment of time, money, and creative energy, the power of writing the book you want to read, and her take on whether authors should include series recaps.You can find her instagram here.

When Ruth’s publishing plans didn’t go as expected, she decided to bet on herself—and it changed everything. Instead of querying, she pivoted to self-publishing, proving that sometimes the indie route isn’t a fallback, it’s creative freedom. It gave her the chance to tell her story her way, without fitting into traditional molds.Ruth gives us a peek into her intricate world and magic system, and we talk about her friends genius idea of using book clubs as beta readers—petition to make that a thing! We also chat about the constant tug-of-war with perfectionism as indie authors and learning when to finally hit “publish.”She shares her thoughts on what makes an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers story, the double standards that still exist in publishing, and how she’s layered her Latina heritage and complex relationship with religion into her work. Through it all, Ruth’s journey is a reminder that trusting yourself as an author can be the most powerful decision you make.You can find Ruth's Instagram here.

AI might be shaking up the creative world—but not always for the better. But thankfully, it seems like protections are starting to be put in place to guard human creativity.Megan joins me to share her journey into audiobook narration—a dream that didn’t come easy. She failed the first time, tried again, and made it happen. Her story is the perfect reminder that failure isn’t the end—it’s where the learning begins.We talk about intimacy coordinators and why they’re more vital than ever, plus what it really means to set boundaries in an industry that thrives on saying yes. From scarcity mindsets to self-worth, Megan keeps it refreshingly real.She also pulls back the curtain on audiobook production—from choosing which stories to narrate to the surprising costs behind every finished product.A must-listen for anyone chasing their creative dream (and needing a reminder that it’s okay to try again).Content/Spoiler Warnings: It Ends With Us, Reign (TV Series)You can find Megan on Instagram here.

Spoiler Warning: ManacledCat is an unpublished fantasy author whose debut series began with a dream and turned into something much bigger. We chat about treating characters like real people, turning trauma into stories of healing, and navigating the wild world of writing your first book.She shares her thoughts on when to start building your author platform, the importance of community, and finding balance between writing, marketing, and actually living. Imposter syndrome? We’ve all been there—and we talk about how we try to move through it.As the host of the Storytelling Sirens Podcast, she’s all about keeping creativity alive and giving authors a voice. We also get into industry double standards, fan fiction ethics (and why you can’t profit off it!), and why she chose self-publishing over traditional.You can find Cat's Instagram page here.

I don’t know nearly enough horror fantasy authors, but Rachel is here to change that—one conversation at a time. She kicks things off by explaining what readers can expect from the genre and gives us a peek into her own growing horror fantasy multiverse.We talk about her love for 80’s-inspired fantasy (a huge influence on her books), how she names her series, and the shock I felt discovering that Jurassic Park was a book first—who knew? Rachel shares how authors like Mary Shelley paved the way for writers like us, and how her own stories have evolved alongside her. Writing, for Rachel, has become a kind of therapy—an honest reflection of growth and imagination.She also opens up about commissioning character art—when it’s worth it, how to approach it, and whether authors truly need it. A self-proclaimed enemies-to-lovers and found family purist, Rachel believes in writing from a place of truth, especially when exploring mental health and neurodivergence.Since recording, her latest release has officially launched, and we couldn’t be more excited! We wrap up by talking about the many ways to approach writing—and why there’s never just one right way to tell your story.You can find Rachel's instagram here.

While the pandemic was a difficult time for many, it reignited Ali’s passion for reading—and eventually, her own writing. She and I bonded over our mutual dislike of a certain MMC, and from there our Instagram friendship grew.We discuss how no one really has their 20s figured out, and how making mistakes, learning from them, and taking accountability is part of the process. Ali has such a detailed and thoughtful approach to reviewing, balancing the expectations of ARCs with her personal reading preferences, and even navigating those tricky DNF decisions. And while I first invited her on as a Bookstagrammer, it turns out she’s also a romance author!Unlike most, Ali isn’t a Chaol hater, and she has a well-thought-out reason for it that she shares in this episode. Our conversation touches on some big topics, from motherhood and the choices surrounding it, to why classifying romance as “clean” vs. “non-clean” can be harmful. Ali also shares her thoughts on reader preferences and why no one should be shamed for what they enjoy.Spoiler warnings for the Throne of Glass series apply!

AJ’s debut novel Oblivion’s Hymn launches next week, and she’s giving female friendships the spotlight they deserve. But her story goes deeper—what happens when life doesn’t follow the plan you thought it would? Spoiler: very few of us have it all together.In this episode, we chat about:✨ The “supportive partners” era and why it matters.✨ AJ’s experience living with endometriosis and how it’s shaped her journey.✨ What really goes into commissioning a book cover.✨ The honest inner monologue of an indie author gearing up for launch.✨ Why finding the right readers matters more than chasing the masses.✨ Her unconventional take on writing spice.AJ’s refreshingly real perspective makes this episode a must-listen—just in time to celebrate her debut release.You can find her on Instagram here.

Vanessa has been such an inspiration to me in the author space, and in this episode she’s as authentic as ever. We chat about tackling creative burnout, battling the comparison game, and the surprising moment she made me realize I actually do edit as I go.Most authors won’t change their book covers mid series, but Vanessa had a very good reason for doing this, and she talks us through it. But also, how her faith influences the stories she writes, and small glimpse of what it looks like to juggle motherhood and authorship.We also dig into subscription boxes, hybrid publishing, and why trying again doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you’re still in the game.Plus, my border collie puppy makes a guest appearance!You can find her Instagram profile here.

If there’s one thing you’ll take away from this episode, it’s Kristen’s fearlessness. She’s not afraid to put herself out there, challenge the norm, and even write something as a joke—only to have it take off in the best way possible.We dive into her debut Alex Bain series, her worldbuilding process, and the question every author faces: how do you put your own stamp on a story when nothing is truly “original” anymore?Other highlights include:✨ The struggle of drumming up commitment for later books in a series—and why standalones and duologies are on the rise.✨ The growth of indie-to-trad or hybrid publishing, and how to decide what’s right for you.✨ Why all of Kristen’s series may share fantasy roots, but each feels completely unique (even if they’re all connected!)✨ Pen names, day jobs, and the reality of being “discovered.”✨ Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a full-time job while still chasing your writing dreams.And of course—we wrap it up with a good dose of girl power.You can find Kristen's instagram account here.

Catie is a multi-genre author who’s carving out her own path in the indie space. We chat about everything from the challenges of getting podcast spots if you’re not writing romantasy, to why she started interviewing indie authors on her own page.She pulls back the curtain on the financial realities of book events, how to decide whether a pen name makes sense, and just how far in advance authors can really plan their publishing schedules.We also dive into:✨ Making sci-fi and romantasy feel less intimidating (while keeping them immersive).✨ Representation in her stories—including a fierce female lead in STEM.✨ Why feedback is an art form, and how to ask for the kind you actually need.✨ Giving “unlikable” characters a chance, and questioning what really makes someone good vs. bad.Content warning: We do discuss Throne of Glass series spoilers!If you want to connect with Catie, you can find her Instagram here.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including child abuse, trauma in the medical field, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.Maddie is proof of the magic that happens when you put yourself out there and take a chance on the unknown. Her fascination with gothic literature opened the door to her interest in psychiatric medicine—something she taught me a lot about in this episode.Drawing from her own experiences with trauma, Maddie has turned pain into purpose. We explore the nature vs. nurture debate—are monsters born, or do we create them?—and dive into her unique decision to create vampires with a soul in her debut novel, Mortals End.She also shares the medical reasoning behind why we fear what we don’t understand, defines what it means to be a gothic literature romance author, and reflects on Anne Rice’s legacy—what modern urban fantasy authors can still learn from the trail she blazed.You can connect with Maddie on her instagram here.

Loving the story you’re writing matters—especially when you're living with it for months (or years!). AJ’s debut was inspired by the fun of zodiac signs, which she knew would translate perfectly into a rich, character-driven story.We chat about why more authors are leaning toward standalones and duologies, and AJ walks us through her decision to debut with a standalone. She shares her approach to handling conflicting feedback, identifying your ideal reader, and asking for what you need as an author.Her worldbuilding? Deep and immersive. Her love for X-Men and superheroes? A shared obsession that led us both into the urban fantasy space.We also dig into the power of comps—why they matter in marketing, and how inspiration can come from anywhere.Content Warning: We discuss dark romance and romantasy themes that may be sensitive for some listeners. AJ emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your reading choices while still pushing to explore the deeper layers of the human psyche.You can follow AJ here.

Podcasts may be trendy—but they’re here to stay, especially with creators like Kara leading the charge. Kara’s all about building genuine community, and our own connection is proof of that. She’s a huge inspiration to my podcasting career.In this episode, she shares how her journey into podcasting began, how being a military spouse shaped her path, and how daring to dream helped her build a life—and a show—on her own terms. From landing her dream guest to knowing what sets her podcast apart, Kara’s story is all about taking chances and showing up.We talk about learning to trust your taste (it’s totally fine not to like a hyped book), how she curates her guest list, and why we need to think about visibility, marketing, and diversifying our platform in this social age.Oh—and don’t miss a surprise cameo from my border collie puppy, Sasha!You can connect with Kara, here.

We dive into the Ali Hazelwood situation and the lessons it left behind—yes, it’s been resolved, but it’s a powerful reminder: authors are human, and if something doesn’t serve you, it’s okay to walk away without cruelty. We’re all here because we love stories, even if we don’t all love the same ones.Jen shares her journey writing The Veiled God series—spoiler: it’s not a pirate book, no matter what people think! She took the brave step of writing a quiet, introverted FMC, knowing not everyone gravitates to that character type, but standing by her choice anyway.We talk about the unpredictability of author life, the absence of a rule book, and how sometimes you have to get it wrong before you get it right. From balancing life as a working mom to drawing character inspiration from her brothers (built-in research squad!), Jen brings humor and heart.We also touch on grief, growth, and healing—how writing helps her process the loss of a loved one. As a multi-genre author flipping between fantasy and romance, she’s all about learning the craft, finding what works for you, and giving yourself the freedom to evolve.You can follow Jen on instagram here.

In 2023, Shelby launched a powerful growth strategy for her Bookstagram—and discovered a talent for video content and community building along the way. Passionate about uplifting BIPOC and queer authors, she’s used her platform to amplify diverse voices and push herself in experimenting and trialling new forms of bookish content.But Shelby’s story doesn’t start there. From her roots in cosplay (yes, you can cosplay outside your body type!) to her role as a teacher advocating for inclusive reading—even in the face of book bans—she brings creativity and conviction to everything she does.We dive into her candid takes on spice, dark romance, purity culture, and the patriarchy—and how reclaiming sexual empowerment through literature is a step toward greater diversity and representation.Shelby also worked on Harper L. Woods’ Coven series and reminded me of something important: you don’t have to do it all. Play to your strengths and build a support network, especially when it comes to feedback and creative burnout.We talk honestly about burnout, life milestones, and why giving yourself permission is more important than ever. Plus, Shelby shares what she’s exploring next—like her work with The Bindery and how it aligns with her evolving business model.Spoiler warnings: ACOTAR & Crescent CityYou can follow Shelby here!

What started as a competition brought us together—but it was the shared love of books (and some serious FOMO) that made Danni’s Bookstagram journey take off. Like so many of us, she just wanted to find people who got the stories she loved. Cue lifelong friendships, never-ending TBRs, and deep dives into theory threads.Fun fact that totally threw me? Danni was in the army—and yes, we talk about it! We also dive into The Empyrean series and how she's surviving the wait for book four by devouring every theory social media can offer. (Let’s be honest—Fourth Wing hasn’t hurt us enough yet, right?)We chat pen names and if they really matter, especially as indie authors like Briar Boleyn make waves crossing into traditional publishing (Bloodwing Academy, anyone?).Danni knows exactly what she wants—starting with a magical sidekick full of banter, please and thank you. From cover reveals to ARC teams, we gush over the joy of hyping new releases and why this community is the real deal.SPOILER WARNING: Onyx StormYou can find her on Instagram here.

Sam’s got an impressive backlist, a passion for storytelling, and a big heart for the indie author community. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to shift from writing under a pen name to owning your voice with your real name. Her advice? If you’re scared, do it anyway.Sam doesn’t believe in failure—only learning. She follows her passion, writes what she loves, and has built a recognizable brand by doing just that. From her love of Teen Wolf (both the ‘80s and the reboot) to her bittersweet goodbye to the werewolf series she adores, we chat about writing less popular subgenres, embracing sustainability in your career, and what it really feels like to finish a series.We also dive into the inspiration behind her own podcast and why she’s committed to sharing everything she’s learned as an indie author. Breaking the algorithm may feel impossible, but Sam reminds us: community and visibility matter.Her next series? Think The Craft meets teen rebellion, soaked in magic and nostalgia for the Buffy, Charmed, and Angel era we all still crave.You can find her on Instagram here.

If you’ve followed Ve for any length of time, you’ve seen the real-life romance unfolding between her and Tony—it’s a love story worthy of its own novel. Like many of us, Ve joined the community because her friends didn’t share her reading tastes—and what she found was a space full of connection, authenticity, and lifelong friendships.In this episode, we talk about how Ve sets bold goals, pushes herself outside of her comfort zone, and has built a bookish brand that includes services for authors and co-creating a book tour company. She reminds us that we shouldn’t be afraid to put ourselves out there - we’re only competing with the person we were yesterday.We also chat about her predictions for the book space, including her Throne of Glass predictions (will we finally learn what Lorcan did?!), how traditional publishing is eyeing the indie space, and why representation matters—paired with the responsibility to educate yourself and do the work.You can find here on Instagram here. Spoiler warning for the Kindred Curse Saga

Romantasy rekindled Evelyn’s love for reading, but after making her way through the typical Romantasy books, they decided to create the stories they wanted to see more of. Enter: feminine rage, morally complex characters, and fierce independence. It’s a brand they wear proudly.After getting some interest while querying, Evelyn chose to go indie for one major reason: retaining control of their story. In this episode, we unpack why they made that call, what it’s really like navigating indie publishing, and the thoughtful decision behind writing under a pen name. We also talk about the growing problem of book pirating in the author world, and Evelyn shares their take—plus ethical ways to access free books that actually support creators.This is an episode for anyone reclaiming their voice, writing with purpose, and building the career they truly want. You can connect with her here.

Let’s be honest—we could’ve just called this the Bonnie Bennett Appreciation Episode. Sim and I go full fangirl over The Vampire Diaries (Damon + Bonnie forever, IYKYK), and we dig into how more urban fantasy authors are using iconic TV shows as comps for their books. Warning: spoilers ahead for The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legendborn!Sim shares how embracing his love for TVD helped him let go of old biases—and why representation should never feel forced. We talk about the importance of centering main characters from marginalized backgrounds, not just sticking them in as sidekicks.One of the most meaningful parts of this episode? Connecting over our shared South African heritage and seeing how a dual heritage shows up more and more on Bookstagram. We all have more in common than we realise.We also dive into Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn series and how it’s reshaped modern urban fantasy, plus the difference between morally white, grey, and black characters—and why readers deserve more nuanced women characters (stop giving men all the passes, Nesta discourse incoming!)This one’s full of hot takes, heart, and a whole lot of supernatural love.

Aileen is a bit of a rockstar in my eyes. She went indie back in 2012—before it was cool—and never looked back. In this episode, we talk about why she chose the indie route over traditional publishing, why she’s sticking with it, and how her research and backlist-building helped her create a sustainable full-time author career (AKA the dream for most indies!).I was a huge fan before I ever hit “record,” so you can imagine how thrilled I was when she said yes to being on the show! We bond over our love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and Aileen shares how a misunderstanding during her MFA led to the creation of her popular Alpha Girl series.We also dig into the real side of author life—setting boundaries (especially when people don’t treat writing like a “real job”), balancing full-time work with being a mom, and the wild ride of producing audiobooks. Plus, Aileen discusses her inspiration for her Days of Iron and Clay series-a gritty, magical series she describes as “a female John Constantine”—inspired by her dual heritage.You can view Aileen's website with all her information here.

Gretchen’s got Swiftie energy, purple hair, and a passion for storytelling—and in this episode, we get into all of it. We chat about how her dual heritage influences her writing and why authentic representation in fantasy matters to her.After publishing her debut in 2012, life happened: marriage, kids, an ADHD diagnosis (not necessarily in that order); and this led to an unexpected hiatus from both reading and writing. But with the break, she eventually found her way back to reading, and with that, her passion to write again. Her journey is a reminder that taking a break isn’t the end… it’s just a plot twist. We also talk about the behind-the-scenes grind that doesn’t always make it to social media, especially around her latest release, Smoke & Scar. Gretchen keeps it real—and we love her for it.If you want to connect with Gretchen, you can follow her here.

If there’s one thing I took away from my conversation with Jordan, it’s just how much attention to detail goes into the worldbuilding of epic fantasy—often long before a single word is written. What began as inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons Campaign has grown into the immersive world of her Nightmare Novellas.Like many of us, Jordan started writing because she had a story to tell. But she quickly discovered that the publishing world can sometimes feel like a numbers game. Still, she’s determined not to let that take the joy out of her process. Instead, she taps into her passions—like her love for the band Sleep Token—and we talk about how that connection weaves into her stories and helps attract the right readers.Jordan is currently earning her master’s degree in English, and chats to us about how she made the leap into academia, how it’s impacted her writing, and even gives me a crash course in second-person POV.If you want to connect with Jordan, follow her here and reach out to her. She would love to chat!

If there’s one thing I learned from this conversation with Kate, it’s that allowing yourself to dream is something we should all do more often—because when we do, we’re able to achieve incredible things.When I first started working with Kate, it was under stressful circumstances, but now, a year later, she’s one of the best things to happen to me in my author journey. And I know I’m not the only one—several of her clients feel the same way.Editor-author relationships are a lot like a marriage: behind every successful author, there’s often an amazingly supportive editor. With authenticity at the core of her values, Kate’s priority is always supporting an author’s vision while providing the editing guidance they need. Her approach is flexible, adaptable, and deeply rooted in partnership.We also dive into the importance of setting boundaries in business, the realities behind editing rates, and the reminder that while editing is an investment, editors are simply trying to earn a livable wage. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s a conversation we need to keep having and creating awareness for.If you want to connect with Kate, you can find her Instagram page here.

Relationships formed on Bookstagram aren’t always linear—just like life itself. That’s especially true for Rebecca and me, but that hasn’t stopped her from being one of the most fascinating people I know. In this episode, she breaks down what makes a beta reader stand out and why critical feedback is an important part in creating our manuscripts.We also dive into representation in female main characters, how Latin and Roman history (literally) is Rebecca’s Roman Empire, and the influence of world history on storytelling. Plus, we discuss the evolution in male dominated epic fantasy and why that matters more than ever.Rebecca’s journey has been anything but predictable—her double STEM degree, her career pivots, and even her approach to reading (tropes? No thanks, just give her the blurb!). She shares her love of poetry, even if it’s not for everyone, and opens up about her deeply personal cancer journey. Since recording, she has officially finished chemo(!), and we reflect on what it means to face one’s own mortality.She inspires me everyday, and I hope you take a bit of inspiration from her journey too.

Britt is the perfect example of how authors and readers can become the best of friends. In this episode, we chat about everything from chronic illness—her journey with diabetes and mine with thyroid disease—to the friendships that keep her on Bookstagram.We dive into the world of book reviewing, why some reviewers are moving away from Goodreads, and why StoryGraph is winning readers over. Britt shares her take on navigating the Grishaverse (spoiler: Six of Crows is a must-read!), embracing a “vibes-first” approach to books, and why not every book is for every reader.Plus, we discuss ARC teams, street teams, and what anyone new to these terms should know. And of course, Britt talks about her deep love for indie authors—because as long as they keep writing, she’ll keep reading!You can connect with Britt on her instagram page here

Fantasy author Elle Kaelee joins us to talk about the unpredictable journey of writing—both on the page and in real life. As a working mom, she knows all about adapting, like the time she was ready to send her debut novel to an editor… only to realize she had lost everything. But when a story demands to be told, the rest—like trends—can come later.Elle shares how she crafts multi-POV fantasy stories, the struggle of keeping characters alive, and the unexpected challenge of tropes—and her concern about attracting the wrong audience type if used incorrectly. We also discuss how she’s shifting sub genre mid series as her creativity in world building knows no bounds, and why being a pantser helps her keep track of it all.This is another great episode for urban fantasy lovers, and if you want to check out Glass Wings, go check out Elle’s website here: https://www.ellekaelee.com/

Ever thought about creating your own language for your fictional world? Monty K. Rue breaks down the fascinating theory and application of Conlang—because yes, it’s totally possible!Though her debut novel The Last Dragon is set to release this spring, Monty has been writing for as long as she can remember. Inspired by Skyrim and Eragon, she built an epic fantasy world—but first, she had to break the cycle of poverty before taking a chance on her writing career.In this episode, we cover everything from dual heritage and emigration to how Monty tackled the beta reading process for The Last Dragon. Plus, we discuss her thought process on how she decided if spice was right for her book or not, and what it’s like to self-publish outside the U.S., where most fantasy book sales happen.You can follow Monty here.

Imagine turning your love for books into a thriving career—Jourdan did just that. During the pandemic, she discovered a way to blend her passion for books, launching multiple ventures, including a book mentorship that helps indie authors strategize, value their time, and see ROI—all while keeping it affordable. Best of all? Her businesses give her the flexibility to be present for her family while doing what she loves.We also dive into the rising demand for authenticity in content creation, the shift from Goodreads to StoryGraph, and why indie publishing is a more viable option than it ever was before. Jourdan shares her predictions for publishing trends in 2025 and beyond, giving authors insight into what’s next.Content Warnings: Infertility discussions, grief for loss of a loved oneSpoilers: Crescent City seriesYou can connect with Jourdan on her Bookstagram account here.

I first heard about When the Stars Entwine with Flames from a friend, and I was instantly hooked on the concept—so having Alex on the podcast was simply meant to be. In this episode, we dive into the magic of Romantasy—why readers can’t get enough of it and how it’s shaping the genre. Alex shares her writing journey, the challenges she’s faced, and why diversity in storytelling is more important than ever. We also break down the costs of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and, of course, the ultimate dream—going viral on BookTok.As Harry Styles wisely said, “Treat people with kindness.” And honestly, how boring would the world be if we were all the same?Spoiler warnings: ACOTAR, Crescent City, TOG, Fourth Wing, Phantasma.You can follow Alex here for updates about her writing and you can follow the podcast here for news on all guests. 

What kind of legacy does a writer leave behind? It’s not something we talk about often, but for Nikkita, it’s been something she's been confronted with the past year. In this episode, we dive into The Bombshell Devil’s Advocate (TBDA) and the inspiration behind it, exploring why urban fantasy—despite hits like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer—still feels underrated.Nikkita is living proof that chronic illness doesn’t define you, and we bond over our shared experiences while discussing why diabetes awareness is a cause close to her heart. We also discuss her refreshing approach to content warnings—something every writer and reader should be mindful of—and tackle the hot topic of AI’s impact on the publishing and creative industry.You can follow Nikkita here and the podcast here for all updates.