Shelf Made Stories

How do two besties go from reading thrillers to running a viral romance book club?This week, I chat with the hilarious duo behind Two Bookends, the creators of that viral football-smut-announcer video (yes, that one with over 9M views on TikTok). But there’s so much more to their story, from book recs and bloopers to building an authentic, monetized community around their love of reading.We dive into:📈 How they went viral more than once📚 Why they started their romance book club and how it makes money💡 The slow, intentional way they’ve monetized without selling out🛑 The boundaries they’ve set around brand deals & family life🎥 Behind the scenes of content creation, bloopers, and mom rants❤️ Their favorite reads (hello, Jennifer Hartman & TL Swan)Plus, what it’s really like filming with your best friend, how they schedule content as full-time working moms, and their top advice for starting a Bookstagram or BookTok that actually grows.We also talk tons of romance book recommendations!Connect with Two Book Ends:On Instagram: instagram.com/two_bookendsOn TIkTok: tiktok.com/@twobookendsJoin the Book Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TwoBookEnds/ 

What started as a casual Facebook group during the pandemic has grown into a thriving online community, complete with sold-out retreats, book boxes, author chats, and even a true crime podcast.Ashley and Emily, co-founders of The Creepy Book Club, share how a single thriller reignited their love of reading and sparked the idea for the club. We talk about building a business from scratch, staying connected to the fun, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to grow a bookish brand that truly puts community first.You’ll hear:How they went from five people on Zoom to 250+ retreat attendeesWhat it’s really like planning and running events for book loversWhy true crime became part of the mix (even when it’s a little scary)How their friendship fuels the business and keeps things funTips for anyone dreaming of starting a book-related businessThis is for you if you’re a fan of thrillers, a book club regular, curious how a hobby turns into a heartfelt business, or just want some creepy book recommendations.Find out more at thecreepybookclub.com.

If you’re a book lover, chances are you’ve heard Julia Whelan’s voice… and probably more than once. She’s narrated over 700 audiobooks, from Gone Girl to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and has been dubbed everything from “the Meryl Streep of audiobooks” to “the Adele of audiobooks.”Julia is the founder of Audiobrary, a new audio publishing platform reinventing how creatives are compensated. Her debut novel, My Oxford Year, has been adapted into a Netflix film, and her latest, Thank You For Listening, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, Audible, and NPR.In this episode of Shelf Made Stories, Julia talks about:How she went from child actor to one of the most beloved narrators in publishingWhy recording steamy romance scenes isn’t as awkward as you thinkThe surprising freedom narrators get compared to on-camera actingFounding Audiobrary, her publishing company designed to give narrators royalties and authors a bigger cutWriting her own novelsHer best advice for aspiring narrators and anyone trying to break into the book worldJulia is not only a voice we know and love, but also a fierce advocate for creatives getting the recognition and compensation they deserve.Check out Audiobrary here: audiobrary.com

What happens when a book-loving mom of two runs out of reading material on vacation? If you’re Kelly Vann, you open a bookstore. We chat with Kelly, founder of Lit Actually, a romance and fantasy bookshop tucked inside Olive’s Eatery in Baldwinsville, NY.She walks us through her journey from idea to grand opening in just six months… while working full-time in marketing, raising two kids, and figuring it out as she goes.From pop-ups and cheeky bookmarks to navigating diversity and community, Kelly spills it all in this episode, including:How Kelly took Lit Actually from idea to reality in half a yearWhy she chose a romance/fantasy niche (and why it’s working)Tips for planning pop-ups and choosing profitable merchThe surprising bestseller flying off the shelves (spoiler: it’s NSFW)How she's balancing full-time work, family, and small business lifeHer current and all-time fave book recs (dark romance fans, tune in)Find Lit Actually on social media:Instagram.com/lit.actually Facebook.com/[email protected]

Did you want more smut?I’m chatting with Alexa Sierra, co-founder of Nashville Smut, the spicy book club-turned-brand that’s taken over Music City and the internet one smutty read at a time. What started as a Facebook group between two childhood besties has grown into a full-blown movement with in-person meetups, viral merch, and their very own indie book festival, Tempted by Fiction.We talk about:How Nashville Smut got started (and why it almost didn’t)Growing a community without a big budget or social media experienceThe truth about planning events and selling spicy merchWhat really goes viral on Instagram and TikTokLessons from building a business while working full-timeAnd yes, we get all the smutty book recs you could ever wantWhether you’re a fellow smut-lover, thinking of starting a bookish side hustle, or just need a feel-good story about women making magic, this one’s for you. Visit Nashville Smut at https://www.nashvillesmut.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillesmutTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nashvillesmutFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19NJ9DBcrd/

What if you could spend an entire weekend doing nothing but reading, relaxing, and connecting with other book lovers? I’m talking no chores, no to-do lists, and no interruptions?That’s exactly what Mallory Anderko dreamed up when she created Bookcation, a reading retreat that’s part cozy getaway, part book club, and part soul recharge.In this episode, Mallory shares:How a decade-long fiction drought ended with one Emily Henry novelThe Instagram meme that sparked the Bookcation ideaHer first small Airbnb retreat and what she learnedThe leap to hosting her first public event at the Grand Geneva ResortThe unexpected hiccups (and hilarious moments) along the wayHow she’s taking Bookcation national in 2026Her advice for anyone ready to start their own “bookish” businessWhether you’re a lifelong reader or someone who hasn’t picked up a novel in years, Mallory’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to bring your passion to life and invite others along for the ride.For more information, visit book-cation.com.Follow Bookcation on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563589589418Instagram: @thebookcationTikTok: @thebookcation

What if you could run a bookstore without actually owning a storefront?In this episode, we chat with Alicia Boemi, the founder of Lakeside Books in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It’s a charming indie bookstore that lives inside another store and rolls around town in a tricked-out trailer. Yep, she’s running two bookstores in one… without the overhead of a full brick-and-mortar.We talk about:How Alicia landed a “shop within a shop” and why she  doesn’t even have to staff itWhy she launched her business with a bookmobile first and how it totally paid offThe reality of inventory headaches, damaged books, and sticker bestsellersWhat it’s like hauling a mobile bookstore around town with your husband and a JeepHer tips for book-loving entrepreneurs who want to test the waters without diving all the way inThis episode will leave you inspired and maybe even Googling “cute trailers for sale.” 😆Check out Lakeside Books online at lakesidebookslg.comFollow Lakeside Books on social media:Instagram.com/lakesidebookslgFacebook.com/lakesidebookslgTiktok.com/@lakesidebookslg

In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of Bookstagram with Kristen Cioffi—aka Kray’s Book Club. If you've ever wondered how to grow an authentic, engaged community online without selling your soul to the algorithm, this is your episode. Kristen keeps it real about how she started posting about books during a tough time, and how that turned into an incredible, joy-filled space filled with new friendships, wild opportunities (hello, Oprah and Reese!), and honest-to-goodness bookish fun.We talk about everything from monetizing your content to what it actually takes to build relationships online, and why Kristen has no plans to start dancing on BookTok anytime soon. We also cover:Why being brutally honest about books (even the “dumpster fire” ones) builds trustHow she’s landed brand partnerships, exclusive invites, and monetized organicallyWhy engagement matters more than follower countThe importance of knowing your worth and not being afraid to ask for itWhy this should always be funFollow Kray’s Book Club here: instagram.com/kraysbookclub

What happens when you mix romance novels, DIY spirit, and a full bar? You get The Plot Twist, Denton's most Instagrammable bookstore, and a total book lover's dream.In this episode, Darci Middleton shares how she went from being a middle school science teacher to opening a one-of-a-kind bookstore with her mom. We talk about:The viral book wall (and how she made it herself)Why she focused on romance books and indie authorsHow they made a bar part of the business (and what it cost)Their brilliant book-inspired cocktail menuTurning TikTok into a marketing machineCreating a space that feels safe, inclusive, and FUNHer advice for anyone dreaming of a bookstore lifeThe Plot Twist: www.theplottwistbookbar.comSocial media:https://www.instagram.com/theplottwistbookbarhttps://www.facebook.com/theplottwistbookbarhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theplottwistbookbar 

Ever wonder who’s behind the voice in your favorite audiobook? Meet Marni Penning, an audiobook narrator with over 350 titles under her belt (plus a spicy secret pseudonym).In this episode, Marni shares how she went from performing Shakespeare on stage to narrating Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and Crescent City... all from her basement studio. She shares:🎙️ What it really takes to be an audiobook narrator (hint: AI could never) 🎭 How she keeps hundreds of character voices straight 🔥 Why she uses a fake name for romance novels 🏠 How she built a six-figure narration career without leaving her house 🤯 That time Whoopi Goldberg fangirled over her 📚 Where to start if you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I could do that…”This conversation is packed with insider stories, pro tips, and behind-the-scenes gems that’ll make you appreciate your audiobooks in a whole new way.Find Marni online at theladyhamlet.comFollow her on social media: FacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedInResources mentioned in this episode:Graphic Audio: https://www.graphicaudio.net/Recorded Books: https://rbmediaglobal.com/recorded-books/ Narrators Roadmap: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ Starving Artist No More: https://www.starvingartistnomore.com/Narrator: https://narrator.life/ ACX: https://www.acx.com/ Ahab: https://www.ahabtalent.com/ Beachside Bookfest: https://www.beachsidebookfest.com/ The video with Whoopi Goldberg: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG7TlWiM38M/ The Penning Method for the Panicked Actor: https://amzn.to/4kEVfIl 

If you're into food, books, or doing good... you’re going to love this one.Kimberly Behzadi is the founder of Read It & Eat Bookshop, Buffalo’s first culinary bookstore that mixes reading, eating, and giving back in the tastiest way possible.We talk about:How she turned her book subscription box into a brick-and-mortar storeThe magic of cookbooks, chef memoirs, and food writing that makes you hungryHer Books & Cooks series (yes, you can actually take cooking classes!)The mission behind their Food First weekends and why giving back is baked into everything they doThe delicious extras you'll find in-store, like baking kits, cocktail mixers, and global spicesVisit Read It & Eat Bookshop, Buffalo's culinary bookstore:readitandeatshop.comfacebook.com/readitandeatbufinstagram.com/readitandeatbuflinkedin.com/company/read-it-and-eat-buffalo

What happens when a lifelong romance reader, punk rock enthusiast, and photographer turns a trailer into a moody, mobile bookstore? You get Slow Burn.Tonya Pineda, the creator behind Slow Burn, a jet-black trailer-turned-bookstore specializing in romance. shares how she and her husband (neither of them particularly handy) built the entire thing from scratch with nothing but a dream and a lot of YouTube tutorials.Here’s why you need to listen:Get Inspired: If you’ve ever fantasized about opening a bookstore but dreaded the overhead, this mobile twist will blow your mind.Fall in Love with the Vibe: A dark, European-inspired aesthetic for a romance-only bookshop? It’s unexpected… and it works.Real Talk on Indie Bookselling: From low book margins to building community, Tonya gets candid about the challenges and the deep rewards.Behind-the-Scenes Goodness: Hear how she decides where to pop up, what goes into setup (think bungee cords and barn doors), and how going viral on Instagram and TikTok has fueled her growth.Visit Slow Burn online at SlowBurnTN.com.Visit Slow Burn on social media @SlowBurnTN. 

Since releasing this episode, ShelfCare Box has gone out of business. She went from 0 to 1,000 subscribers in one year.In two years, she was bringing in one million dollars in revenue.Five years ago, Lorena Hixson launched her first subscription box. Because reading has always been a cornerstone of her personal growth, healing, and self-care journey, she wanted to create an experience that encourages more women to slow down, prioritize themselves, and reconnect with the joy of reading.Think of the ShelfCare Box as your monthly bookish bestie—a cozy, intentional moment of self-care delivered straight to your door. In this episode, you’re going to hear the surprising tactic that still brings in subscribers today and the one thing Lorena suggests for anyone starting a bookish business.Visit ShelfCare Box at shelfcarebox.comFollow SelfCare Box on social media:www.instagram.com/shelfcarebox.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@shelfcarebox

Come inside Flame & Fable, the charming new romantasy bookstore that's quickly becoming a community hub in Lakewood, Ohio.Owner Nickie Lui opened her doors just over a month ago, but she's already outperforming her business projections and creating a space where strangers bring birthday gifts and book recommendations flow freely. But the journey wasn't always magical.Nickie shares the moment she nervously pitched her bookstore idea to her dad while he fixed a closet door, and how that conversation sparked a nine-month journey from business plan to grand opening. You'll hear why banks weren't interested in funding her dream (despite her meticulous 31-page business plan), and the surprising way she ultimately made it happen anyway.Nickie also reveals the behind-the-scenes reality, including an IKEA nightmare that required a last-minute U-Haul adventure to Pittsburgh for thousands of pounds of bookshelves just days before opening. In a digital age, how does a physical bookstore with zero marketing budget build buzz? Nickie's clever social media strategy and four distinct book clubs might offer a blueprint for indie retail success.Visit Flame and Fable at 13439 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood, OH 44107Website: flameandfablebooks.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flameandfablebooks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flameandfablebooksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571634133018 

What started as a spicy subscription box packed in her kitchen is now two thriving bookstores, a merch line, and a romance convention. In this episode, Melissa Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit, shares how she turned her love of romance books into a full-on literary brand.We talk about how she built her audience, grew from popups to storefronts, and why representation in romance matters. Plus, she shares advice for anyone dreaming of starting a bookish business and her favorite steamy reads.If you love spicy books and bold business moves, this one's for you.When she’s not curating must-read romances or running her bookstore, Melissa can be found enjoying tequila on the beach.Instagram: Steamy LitWebsite: steamylit.com

Karley Schaper shares how her handcrafted bookshelf decorations accidentally launched a thriving business from her small Oklahoma town, "where there are more cows than people."In this episode, Karley sharesHow creating without sales intentions can lead to organic business growthThe power of authentic social media sharing that grew Karley's Instagram from 100 to 25,000 followersWhy solving your own problems creates products others desperately wantHow to build a business that fits your lifestyle rather than the other way aroundNow with a warehouse instead of just her home office, Karley has achieved her version of success—the flexibility to walk her kids home from school and work when inspiration strikes, even if that's at one in the morning.Tune in to hear her best advice for aspiring creators.Visit Jordan Valley Designs website: JordanValleyDesigns.comConnect on social media:https://www.tiktok.com/@itskarleynicolehttps://www.instagram.com/jordanvalleydesigns

This week’s guest is literally tearing books apart... and people love her for it.What started as a casual scroll through BookTok turned into a side hustle-turned-small business for Valerie Brand, all centered around rebinding books into one-of-a-kind, stunning keepsakes. She’s crafted custom covers for fantasy favorites, sentimental heirlooms, and even indie author giveaways—all while holding down a 9-to-5.In this episode, we chat about:How a viral video changed everythingBookish burnout, and how she’s still keeping the fun aliveHer advice for anyone trying to grow a creative business onlineWhat really goes into crafting a custom book cover (hint: it’s not just glue and glitter)Whether you’re a fantasy fan, small business dreamer, or just love hearing how someone makes it doing something they love, you’re going to want to tune in.And yes, we do talk about ACOTAR.Visit her website: www.valbinds.comGet social with Val:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valbindsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valbindsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/valeriebrand

What happens when a real estate-savvy book lover stumbles upon a shuttered bookstore already zoned for hotel use? You get The Bookhouse Hotel, a boutique literary escape where guests literally sleep surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.In this episode, Stephanie Olenik, the creative force behind not one, but two magical book-themed hotels in Pennsylvania, talks about turning a once-forgotten bookstore into a thriving destination to growing a nationwide book club community, and:How Stephanie turned 5,000 leftover books into the inspiration for a boutique hotelWhat made people start flying in from all over the world to stay at The Bookhouse HotelWhy her second location (a stunning 7-room mansion) includes a Jane Austen suite and a secret photo boothHow a viral 24-hour read-a-thon helped boost bookings, and what she’s learned about influencer marketingHer real-talk advice for launching a bookish business that stands outThe importance of building community and staying flexible when plans need to changeWhether you’re a book lover, a dreamer with a business idea, or just curious about what it’s like to run a hotel where every room tells a story, this one’s for you.Visit The Bookhouse Hotel and The Bookhouse Hotel in Faunbrook:https://thebookhousehotel.com/https://thebookhouseatfaunbrook.com/Check out the book club: https://thebookhousebookclub.com/Get social on Instagram:@thebookhousehotels @thebookhousefaunbook @thebhbookclub

Listen in as author Lou Emerson reveals how she transformed her love of cozy crime fiction into a subscription box business. Lou shares how she delivers an immersive reading experience by pairing mystery novels with page-specific gifts, built a loyal subscriber base through a clever email challenge, and manages the chaos of "Christmas every month" from her home. Perfect for mystery lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode unpacks the business behind giving readers the ultimate "me-time" experience, one page number at a time.Connect with Cozy Read Books:Website: https://cozyreadbooks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozyreadbookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozyreadbooks/

Four friends in their 20s realized none of them were reading books like they used to. So, Ben Bradbury hosted a casual gathering on their rooftop, invited some friends, put together a playlist, and everyone just... read books together. Then they chatted about what they were reading before calling it a night.But it caught on. Ben and three of his friends formalized things a bit, named it “Reading Rhythms,” planned more get-togethers, expanded their invite list, and started sharing it on Instagram.As these reading parties continued, they garnered attention in places like the New York Times, and this hobby quickly became a worldwide business. In this episode, Ben walks us through what a reading party is and how you can bring one to your city.Connect with Reading Rhythms:Website: readingrhythms.coInstagram: instagram.com/reading_rhythmsBen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benbradbury

Jules Buonocore reaches 800,000 monthly readers and has built multiple revenue streams through her book blog, The Literary Lifestyle. In this episode, she reveals her journey from attorney to book influencer, her battle with Google's algorithm changes, and the surprising way she's monetizing trending book series like Fourth Wing and ACOTAR. She also shares behind-the-scenes details of her Rory Gilmore Book Club and practical tips for turning reading passion into profit. Visit The Literary Lifestyle: https://theliterarylifestyle.com/Get social with Jules:InstagramPinterestFacebookYouTubeTikTokLinkedInThreadsRedditGoodreads

Amanda Badeau left her corporate job to pursue her childhood dream of opening a bookstore. We chat with Amanda about trading her corporate ops director role for the green-walled, castle-like atmosphere of "The Archive" – her dark academia bookstore in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.Amanda gets real about the ups and downs of making this childhood dream happen: the unexpected costs, permit headaches, and why selecting books is way more stressful than she imagined. While pink romance bookshops are having their moment, Amanda spotted a gap for something different and jumped in with both feet.She shares how a chance conversation at dinner led to finding her perfect space, her unique approach to hiring staff, and all the creative ways she's planning to make this bookstore profitable.Visit the Archive at 700 S Shelmore Blvd Unit 103, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464Follow The Archive on Instagram at @thearchivechs.

When everyone said bookstores couldn't survive, Jenny Kelley did the impossible - opening Bookish Boutique in just 25 days! With pink couches, a wine bar, and custom "Smut University" merch, this Panama City store is defying the odds. How is she thriving where major chains have failed? Tune in to discover the secrets behind her success and why readers are flocking to this bookish paradise one year later!Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here.Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStoriesFollow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDayConnect with Jenny Kelley from Bookish Boutique:Website: https://bookishboutiquellc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554472483170Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookishboutiquellc/TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishboutiquellc

When publishers wouldn't pay for her bookish content on Instagram (free books don't pay bills!), Hayley Solano got creative and built a literary empire that goes far beyond monthly discussions. After growing her #bookstagram to 40,000 followers, Hayley launched The Enchanted Book Club. She took her love of books and turned it into this vibe where classic book lovers can connect, no matter how busy life gets.For fifteen bucks a month (or $150 if you go annually), you get access to this bookish world… and she has 800 members!Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here.Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStoriesFollow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDayConnect with Hayley here:Website: enchantedbookclub.comInstagram @hayleysolano

Have you ever dreamed of opening your own bookstore? Pull up a chair as Amy Hall takes us behind the shelves of Hudson Valley Books for Humanity. She's getting real about the ups, downs, and creative hustle it takes to make an indie bookstore work today. From turning her book-loving dream into a thriving community hub to finding smart ways to keep the lights on (spoiler: it's not just about selling books), Amy's sharing all the tea on building a bookstore that stands out from the crowd.Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here.Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStoriesFollow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDayCatch up with Amy & Hudson Valley Books for Humanity:Website: hvbooksforhumanity.comInstagram: @hudsonvalleybooksforhumanityFacebook: /HVBooksforHumanityLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyhall914

Want to turn your overflowing bookshelves into a business? Join us for a chat with Renee Powers, Director of Partnerships and Publicity at PangoBooks, where book lovers are becoming entrepreneurs from their living rooms.She's spilling the details on how readers are transforming their personal libraries into profitable ventures, building community through books, and reshaping the way we think about secondhand book sales.Plus, she shares how PangoBooks got started and how the company makes money with its small but mighty team.Click here to get $5 of PangoBucks!Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here.Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStoriesFollow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDayConnect with PangoBooks:Website: pangobooks.comInstagram: @pangobooksTikTok: @pangobooksFacebook: /pangobooksYouTube: @pangobooksConnect with Renee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/renee-powers-578052185