Episode 49: Writing for the Fandom ft. Daevastanner
Do you read fanfic? Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a fanfic writer? How do fanfic writers stay close to cannon while also providing such interesting stories that we wish existed? What draws fanfiction writers to certain fandoms and series? Well you are in luck! I sat down with Izzy (Daevastanner on AO3) who has written several fanfiction pieces. Most of her writing is within the world of ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas with a few other fandoms thrown in!
Episode 47: Fighting Imposter Syndrome ft. Ayana Gray
Have you read Beasts of Prey and are extremely excited for Beasts of Ruin? Well you should be excited then because I got to sit down with Ayana Gray and discuss the rich history and mythology that inspired this story, how it felt to get a Netflix deal before even publishing the Beasts of Prey, and how we are all fighting imposture syndrome at all times. Ayana is an incredible human and I cannot recommend her series enough!
Episode 46: The Rollercoaster of Publishing ft. Lexi Ryan
Are you cheering for Sebastian or Finn? Are you dying to know if we will return to this world? In today's episode, Lexi Ryan and I sat down to discuss everything about the These Hollow Vows duology and its EPIC conclusion, These Twisted Bonds. We discuss it all: how to balance a love triangle, major lessons she has learned about the industry, why Lexi decided to traditionally publish this duology while self publishing her romance novels, and more!
Episode 45: The Art of Translation ft. Open Letter Books
Did you know less than 3% of books are translated into English? That not including text books and things, that number is actually closer to 600 books? Total. I was blown away by this in today's discussion with Chad Post. Chad is the publisher at Open Letter, the University of Rochester's nonprofit, literary translation press, and is one of only a handful of publishing houses dedicated to increasing access to world literature for English readers.
Episode 44: The Dynamic Duo of Summer ft. Ali Brady
What happens when two author BFFs are inspired by a new twist on The Parent Trap? You get the amazing book, The Beach Trap! Ali Brady knocked this book out of the park! It has everything you could ever want in a fun summer read. You have sisters, love, a feud, heavy topics, light topics, the beach. Everything.
Episode 43: The PR of it All ft. Kathleen Carter Communications
Why would an author hire an outside publicist? How do PR professionals cultivate their relationships with the media and social media folks? Who gets an Advanced Reader Copy and how? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you'll love today's interview with Kathleen Carter!
Episode 42: The Mariachi Romeo and Juliet ft. Priscilla Oliveras
What would happen if Romeo and Juliet was set in modern day Texas and instead of just feuding families, they were competing mariachi bands? How would the battle against gentrification affect their relationship? If you are curious about this dynamic, you will be excited to read West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras. In today's episode, I sat down with Priscilla to discuss her newest release, how she teaches a course on romance writing, how she balances everything and so much more!
Episode 41: Editing Best Sellers ft. Maria Gomez from Amazon Publishing
What does an editor actually do? How do they help our favorite books come to our bookshelves? Are there any real quality checks when publishing books? Are publishing houses anything like the show Younger? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you will love my guest today! I got to sit down with Maria Gomez, editor at Montlake (an imprint of Amazon Publishing) to discuss all things editing!
Episode 40: The Tenacity of Publishing ft. Claire Legrand
In today's episode, I got to sit down with Claire and hear all about the processes of writing, how soundtracks help her write her stories, who her favorite Star Trek captain is, and so much more!
Episode 39: From The Side of an Agent ft. John Cusick
How do agents decide who to pick up? How does querying work? Are agents involved in the editorial process or the marketing process for authors? How does the mass exodus we are seeing in publishing affect the industry and are agents worried? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you will love today's episode with special guest, John Cusick!
Episode 38: Hockey and Me Too ft. Kathleen West
Have you picked up Home or Away by Kathleen West yet? If you haven't, today's episode will absolutely convince you to! I sat down with Kathleen to discuss her newest release, along with the Me Too movement, how book popularity is completely based on timing, and the pressure we put on kids and athletes!
Episode 37: The Narration of It All ft. Eva Kaminsky
Do you listen to audiobooks? Have you wondered what goes into the narration of one? Well, I sat down with actress and narrator Eva Kaminsky to discuss all of the behind the scenes aspects that go into audiobook narration!
Episode 36: Big Reveals, Mates, and How Is It Still Danika's Show ft. @jessielovenelit
Have you read Crescent City 2: House of Sky and Breath? Were you blown away by all of the major reveals? Well, Jessie and I were so we HAD to sit down and discuss all of the various reveals, the new mates, and amazing new characters!
Episode 35: Going Above and Beyond for Book Clubs ft. @RosebudMode
Have you seen a rise in virtual book clubs in the last year or two? Have you considered what happens behind the scenes and how they get off the ground? Well, I sit down with Sarah (@rosebudmode) who goes above and beyond for her book clubs!
Episode 34: Biryani, Jane Austin, and Mental Health ft. Farah Heron
I was honored to be invited to sit down with Farah Heron to discuss her newest release, Kamila Knows Best! From the story being a contemporary retelling of Emma by Jane Austin to how diverse characters don't need to live in a world of adversity, we discuss it all!
Episode 33: Creating Covers ft. Amazon Publishing
Today, I got to sit down with Courtney Dodson, creative director of Amazon Publishing, about creating book covers on the more traditional side of the publishing industry! Courtney and I talk all things cover design, such as how much authors have as input, how you decide what trends to embrace vs push away from, and how to really engage readers who are shopping for books! We also talk about understanding language and the best way to represent that along with simplifying is almost always a good choice!
Episode 32: Living for Centuries with Addie LaRue ft. @theliteraturellama2.0
Have you read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab? Did you cry your eyes out? Do you think Luc really loves Addie? Well, my dear friend Tatyana and I sat down to discuss all things Addie LaRue! From whether we think Henry would have been able to survive Addie's curse to how we both peaked at 23 and its all down hill from here, we break down why we love this story and why it made us incredibly emotional.
Episode 31: The Ghosts in Writing ft. Dan Gerstein from Gotham Ghostwriters
Why is ghostwriting such a secretive aspect of the literary world? How do you even find a ghostwriter? Do they only work with one author at a time? Do they get upset that they aren't credited? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, then you will find great enjoyment out of today's guest! I got to sit down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters.
Episode 30: Savagely Reading ft. Stacey Marie Brown
Have you read Savage Lands or any books by Stacey Marie Brown? Are you curious how these characters came to her head? Do you wonder why her book feel so real and tangible? Well, you're in luck, because I got to sit down with Stacey and ask her all of these questions! From her writing process, her history in Hollywood, to the future of the Savage Lands series, we cover it all!
Episode 29: The Art of Being a Critique Partner ft. Jordan Gray
Have you ever heard someone mention a critique partner and have wondered "what's that?" or "how do I find one of those to look at my novel?" Well, you're in luck because I sat down with Jordan Gray and discussed all things critique partnering! We break down how she started in the business, how the industry as a whole can sometimes suck, how to find a critique partner if you don't want to pay someone, and why the industry is a rough world but surrounded by the most amazing people!