PODCAST · arts
The Fiction Lounge
by Hannah Magness, Jessica Collins
Welcome to the Fiction Lounge, a podcast started by two writing besties with a passion to demystify the writing process together. Join us every Tuesday as we talk all things fiction writing, publishing, and all the possible topics in between.
Episodes
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How Art Becomes Historical Fiction with Anna Rasche
Jess and Hannah interview author Anna Rasche about the journey from gemologist to published author, the value of historical accuracy and how to creatively make it work in fiction, and how the process of writing often changes once you're a published author. Anna Rasche is an author, gemologist…
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Key Elements of Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Dystopian Fiction
Hannah and Jess discuss the differences and similarities between sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian fiction. They talk about the genre expectations for each, and dive into what it looks like to genre blend. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've...
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Demystifying the Publishing Industry with Literary Agent Sheyla Knigge
Literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary talks to Hannah and Jess about pressing industry questions, things to consider when working with an agent, and why the publishing industry and authors are at odds when it comes to prologues. This episode is full of practical, real-time wisdom from...
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Anthropological Thrillers with Michelle Cullen
Hannah and Jess speak with author Michelle Cullen about her newest release, explore the difference between detective mysteries and anthropological mysteries, and how sometimes, reader data can be used to impact authorial decisions. Michelle L. Cullen has lived and traveled all over the world…
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Reading Like A Writer
Jess and Hannah discuss what it means to read like a writer, why it's important for ALL writers to find time to read this way, how to do it, and things you should pay attention to when reading closely. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've...
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Favorite Books of 2026: Q2
Jess and Hannah discuss their favorite reads of the past three months, with a variety of titles to look into! Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20%...
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The Importance of Romance as a Genre with Joss Richard
Hannah and Jess interview author Joss Richard on pub day of her most recent novel, Let's Kiss and Tell! They discuss the differences in process between each book, the societal value of a genre like romance, and how understanding screenwriting can help your writing process. Joss Richard is an...
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Everything You Need to Write Great Scenes
Hannah and Jess discuss the core elements of a scene, how they need to work within the scene, and give you tips on how to improve your scenes if you find yourself struggling. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about…
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Literary Fiction and Writing a Series with Susan Furber
In their interview with author Susan Furber, Jess and Hannah discuss writing a literary fiction series, how your characters stay with you, and they dive into Susan's upcoming release, What Other Years Have Done. Susan Furber is the author of The Essence of an Hour, We Were Very Merry and the...
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Embracing the Joy of Lore with Kathleen Schwab
Hannah and Jess interview debut author Kathleen Schwab about her historical fantasy, Queenswood, and how her journey to this book was mostly about pursuing her joy. They discuss the Celtic folklore of the story and how she wove it in with her worldbuilding. Fantasy writers will enjoy this…
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Key Elements of Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, and Horror
Jess and Hannah discuss both the similarities and differences between the mystery, crime, thriller, and horror genres. They cover genre expectations, but also share what these genres all have in common. This episode helps clear up how to position your book within these specific areas of fiction.…
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Exploring Identity with Alka Joshi
Hannah and Jess interview New York Times Bestselling author Alka Joshi about her new book Six Days in Bombay while discussing other topics such as identity and how great character work is born. Born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford…
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Key Elements of Genre: Women's Fiction vs. Romance
Hannah and Jess explain the similarities and differences between women's fiction and romance, provide practical ways to understand how to place your own novel, and three questions to ask yourself if you're looking for clarity. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to...
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Moving Your Story Forward: Plot Devices
Hannah and Jess discuss why plot devices are one of the most important ways to move your story forward, what types of plot devices there are, and how you might already be using them without even realizing it. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know.…
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Exploring Dark Historical Fantasy with A.L. Sinclair
Hannah, Jess, and their guest A.L. Sinclair discuss her unique journey from pursuing self-publishing to being discovered by her now agent and going traditional publishing. They also discuss the work to write a dark historical fiction novel, finding the "why" behind your work, and how to build a...
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Key Elements of Genre: Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, and Commercial Fiction
Jess and Hannah introduce a new series on the key elements of writing in certain genres. In the first episode, they discuss the definitions and hallmarks of literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and commercial fiction. They explore case studies and even share ways that these genres can be markers...
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Writing With Limitations
Hannah and Jess discuss their adaptations living life with chronic illness, discuss how mental health episodes can feel equally as limiting, and share their tips and mentalities for handling the difficult days. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know....
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Myth, Lore, and First Love with John Glynn
Jess and Hannah talk about bringing mythology to life with editor and author John Glynn. They explore the idea of queer erasure within myth and lore, discuss the depth of writing about first love and how it changes you, and briefly geek out over Madeline Miller. John Glynn is the Editorial…
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Writing A Country Rom-Com with Britt Middleton
Hannah and Jess talk with author Britt Middleton about her debut novel American Love Song, the importance of mental health representation in romance, and she provides practical advice and encouragement for new writers. Britt Middleton is a romance and literary novelist passionate about tender…
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Navigating Sensitivity in Literature with Denise from Prose Without Thorns: Part 2
Hannah and Jess interview Denise Madre of Prose Without Thorns about her work in the field of sensitivity reading, and she provides practical ways to be more conscious when writing marginalized people. This episode is part two of a two part series. A bibliophile with an English degree and a mild...
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Navigating Sensitivity in Literature with Denise from Prose Without Thorns: Part 1
Hannah and Jess interview Denise Madre of Prose Without Thorns about her work in the field of sensitivity reading, and she provides practical ways to be more conscious when writing marginalized people. This episode is part one of a two part series. A bibliophile with an English degree and a mild...
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Favorite Books of 2026: Q1
Hannah and Jess discuss their top reads of the year so far! SHOW NOTES HANNAH'S PICKS: Red Rising by Pierce Brown Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Hannah's Honorable Mention: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid JESS'S PICKS: The…
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An Exciting Announcement
Hannah and Jess reveal an exciting announcement: The Fiction Lounge is now offering some author services! Jess shares the vision and process behind her editing consultation service, and Hannah shares the heart and process of her Plot Clarity Intensive. SHOW NOTES Jess's Editing Services Hannah's...
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Writing Historical Fiction with Laura Vogt
Guest author Laura Vogt talks historical fiction and her debut novel In the Great Quiet. From research and sensitivity readers to her drafting process, she provides amazing insight for new writers. Laura Vogt is a historian, storyteller, and poet. She studied literature and history in undergrad…
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How to Navigate the Messy Middle of Your Novel
Jess and Hannah talk about the challenges and demands of the "messy middle", and provide tips and tricks that might help you navigate this famously challenging portion of writing a novel. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us...
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Writing a Series and Lessons from the Publishing Industry with Carmela Dutra
Three-peat guest and series author Carmela Dutra checks in on her author journey and shares valuable insights about plotting vs. pantsing, how she juggles multiple projects at once, and what she's learned during her time in the industry. Carmela Dutra is a writer from the Bay Area who loves food...
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When, How, and Where to End Your Novel
Jess and Hannah discuss endings: how to know what your genre expects of an ending, how to make sure your ending is strong, and some dos and don'ts when working on your ending. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social...
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How to Write Strong, Effective Openings
Hannah and Jess talk about what makes a strong opening, what detracts from a good opening, and they both bring different genre examples to examine together. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media:...
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The Journey to Debut Author with Michelle Maryk
Guest author Michelle Maryk shares the keys to her writing journey, what she's learned from her improv background that helps her as a writer, and shares about her debut novel, The Found Object Society. Michelle Maryk graduated from Cornell University and also attended the Yale Writer’s Worskhop....
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Writing Beautiful and Effective Prose
Jess and Hannah talk about the purpose of prose, its pitfalls, how to develop your prose style, and Jess shares some literary examples of solid prose. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge…
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How to Write Strong Character Arcs
Hannah and Jess discuss the different (main) types of character arcs, why they matter, how to apply them, and how they can be useful for your secondary and minor characters. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social...
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Making Setting a Character with Leigh Shalloway
Jess and Hannah interview new author, Leigh Shalloway, on her Hilltown series debut. She shares important insights and valuable advice on resilience in the novel writing process, and shares how she was able to make setting almost like its own character within the narrative. Leigh Shalloway has a...
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Q&A Episode
In this installment of The Fiction Lounge Q&A, Hannah and Jess answer another round of questions ranging from the necessity of editing to what inspires our stories. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media:...
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Villains and Antagonists
Hannah and Jess explore villains and antagonists: the different types, the genre expectations for villains, and how to effectively build a villain your readers can love to hate. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social...
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Guest Interview with Molly Donlan
With special guest and reiki teacher Molly Donlan, Hannah and Jess dive into the magic of creativity and how it can be fostered through ritual, while discussing Molly's upcoming release, Mundane Magic, available February 17. Molly Donlan is a Reiki Master Teacher, crystal healing expert, yoga...
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Character Relationships
Hannah and Jess spend some time sharing their friendship lore, provide practical writing exercises that contributed to their writing wins of the week, and share the essentials of how to structure and envision your character relationships to make a stronger story. Do you have feedback or episode...
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Guest Interview with Jennifer van der Kleut
Hannah and Jess interview debut author Jennifer van der Kleut about her upcoming debut novel, The Better Mother, available February 10. Jennifer van der Kleut (née McBride) is an award-winning former journalist of both print and digital publications, including the D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News. A...
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Building Character Backstory
Jess and Hannah discuss character backstory: what it is, what it does for your story, how to build it, how to utilize it, and more. If you're struggling to figure out character motivations, or if you just want to make sure you're doing strong character work, make sure to give this episode a…
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From Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing: What to Know
Hannah and Jess break down the recent trends of artists who are signing traditional publishing deals after self-publishing, what this means for the industry, and how you can apply these trends to your responsibilities as a career writer. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out...
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Easy Tips to Improve Your Manuscript
Hannah and Jess give advice on practical ways you can elevate your manuscript. Whether it's reading your book out loud, or learning how to ask for feedback, these tips are guaranteed to improve your current WIP. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know....
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Favorite Books of 2025: Q4
Hannah and Jess discuss their favorite books of the semester, including some horror, romance, historical fiction, and honorary mention memoir! Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on...
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Guest Interview with Jade Gonzalez
Hannah and Jess interview guest author Jade Gonzalez about her self-publishing her journey ahead of her next release in her series. She gives advice on how to tackle insecurity as a writer with a dream and offers powerful perspective on how to navigate the self-publishing world. Do you have...
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A Conversation on AI
Hannah and Jess discuss the pros and cons along with the ethics of generative AI in the writing industry, as well as guidelines for ethical use for those interested. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media:...
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Guest Interview with Literary Agent Jessica Berg
In their first interview with a literary agent, Jess and Hannah discuss all things querying, publishing, and more. They talk about the agent/author relationship, how the business of writing a book can be the majority of an author's work, and Jessica even answers some rapid fire literary agent...
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Hannah and Jess at the Texas Book Festival
Hannah and Jess visited the 30th Texas Book Festival and share live insights from their time there! Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! And you can…
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Guest Interview with Emily Soderberg
Emily Soderberg has always loved reading and writing mysteries. She was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, only moving away for college. She graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied Religious Studies and German, subjects that have come in handy…
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Let's Talk Tropes
Tropes have received a bad rep, but The Fiction Lounge is here to set the record straight! Jess and Hannah discuss what a trope is, how it is used, how it can benefit your work, and how you should embrace tropes in your work without compromising its literary value. Do you have feedback or episode...
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Your Book Pitch
Jess and Hannah process how to make a book pitch you can be proud of, while discussing all the aspects that need to go into making sure that pitch is solid. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media:...
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The Ins and Outs of Hybrid Publishing
After a thoughtful question from the earlier Q&A episode, Jess and Hannah tackle the new industry of hybrid publishing: exploring the pros and cons, the expectations, and the standards that have been set for those interested in pursuing this hybrid path to publication. Do you have feedback or...
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Q&A Episode
Hannah and Jess answer questions about editing, revising, genre, and hybrid publishing, the last of which is a new adventure our co-hosts will revisit in full in an upcoming episode! Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Fiction Lounge, a podcast started by two writing besties with a passion to demystify the writing process together. Join us every Tuesday as we talk all things fiction writing, publishing, and all the possible topics in between.
HOSTED BY
Hannah Magness, Jessica Collins
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Fiction Lounge have?
The Fiction Lounge currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Fiction Lounge about?
Welcome to the Fiction Lounge, a podcast started by two writing besties with a passion to demystify the writing process together. Join us every Tuesday as we talk all things fiction writing, publishing, and all the possible topics in between.
How often does The Fiction Lounge release new episodes?
The Fiction Lounge has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Fiction Lounge?
You can listen to The Fiction Lounge on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Fiction Lounge?
The Fiction Lounge is created and hosted by Hannah Magness, Jessica Collins.
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