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Cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins us to talk about writing mystery, setting them in small towns, what's next for her, and how books give you strength and opportunity.

Ellie Alexander is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. Ellie believes that stories have the power to transport and transform us. With over thirty novels published and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of ...

We talk with author Lily Chu about fandoms and writing.

Lily Chu loves ordering the second-cheapest wine, wearing perfume all the time, and staying up far too late with a good book.

Four of her books have been released in audio as Audible Originals, performed by Phillipa Soo (The Stand-In, The Comeback, The Takedown, and Drop Dead) and John Cho (Drop Dead). Lily’s best-selling stories are critically acclaimed and have spent multiple ...

We talk all things magical realism and Tarot with author Liz Parker!

Liz Parker is the author of HONEYSUCKLE HOUSE and IN THE SHADOW GARDEN and co-author of THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS. An herbalist and a witch, Liz loves gardening, a good cup of tea and the kind of story that sinks it hooks into you and refuses to let go.

Find Liz at https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/

Books discussed in this episode:

• In The Shadow Garden by Liz Parker
• Th...

We talk about bookclubs in indie bookstores-- both starting one or joining one-- and are joined by Wild Sisters Books' romance bookclub manager, Gracie to talk about the interesting insights gained from the bookclub.

Books discussed in this episode:

• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
• Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
• Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
• Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
• The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisash...

Author Lindsay Hameroff joins us to talk about her evolution of writing sweet to spicy romance.

Lindsay is the author of Till There was You and Never Planned on You!

Books discussed in this episode:

• Till There was You by Lindsay Hameroff
• Never Planned on You
• You With a View by Jessica Joyce
• You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
• The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks
• The September House by Carissa Orlando
• Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
• Name Y...

Jessica Joyce is the author of the USA Today bestselling novels You, With a View and The Ex-Vows. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.

On this episode we discuss people pleasing, fan fiction, and finding your voice.

Books discussed:

• The Ex -Vows by Jessica Joyce
• You, With A View by Jessica Joyce
• Where You Are Planted by Melanie Sweeney
• The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch
• Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
• Heartbreak Hotel by ...

We talked to NYT bestselling author Mike Chen about his books, publishing, hockey romance, and cool band memorabilia. Plus, do authors get a say in their covers and titles in traditional publishing?

Books discussed in this episode:

• Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
• A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen
• We Could be Heroes by Mike Chen
• Light Years From Home by Mike Chen
• Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen
• Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen
• Star War...

We spoke to freelance editor Erin McClary, who is Sierra's former editor at Sourcebooks, about traditional publishing's acquisition process, what editing really means, and some secrets every writer should know about editing, whether self-publishing or seeking traditional publication.

Find Erin at erinmcclary.com

Books discussed in this episode:

• A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey
• The Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey
• A litt...

Claire and Sierra talk about what makes a good story, and whether a good story meets the hype. We talked about proven elements of a great story.

We also discuss the bookstore's space challenges as it relates to selling, and what happens at book industry events.

We discussed these books:

• Water Moon (again) by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
• Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

Bu...

In this episode, we welcomed New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory to talk about donuts, farmers markets, and origins of contemporary romance.

Jasmine is the author of six romance novels including The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and While We Were Dating. Her work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, and Time. Her newest novel, Flirting Lessons, is out today (April 8, 2025)! She lives in Oak...

We talked 2025 book buying trends that Claire learned at ABA (American Booksellers Association). And we welcomed USA Today Bestselling author Xio Axelrod, who writes contemporary fiction and romance. Her award-winning novels have earned both critical acclaim and a passionate readership. Her Lillys series, including The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes and Girls with Bad Reputations, explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Xio...

We talked to children’s book author Bea Birdsong about what it takes to get traditionally published and how to pivot in a writing career.

Bea Birdsong is the author of I Will Be Fierce!, Sam’s First Word, How to Spot a Best Friend, Boop!, Goat Is the G.O.A.T., How to Grow a Family Tree (2025), That Is Not a Dog! (2026), You Did It! (2026), Me Too! (2027), and other forthcoming books for children.

Bea is also a former teacher who beli...

Jordan Morris is the author of graphic novel Youth Group, and a comedy writer with experience working in TV, features, comics, podcasts, digital comedy and video games. He's written for shows on Max, Disney Plus, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and YouTube Originals. He also created and co-wrote the 2x Eisner nominated graphic novel Bubble. He has also written stories for Marvel, IDW’s Godzilla and Archie: Chilling Adventures.

He c...

We talked about the reach of libraries their programs, imposter syndrome and how it never goes away and, themes in books. Listen to the end for bookshelf hacks!

Terah is an author and former librarian, who now writes upmarket fiction with bittersweet endings. She is the author of One Summer in Savannah and Long After We Are Gone. Her books have been chosen as a Target Book Club pick, LibraryReads pick, Kobo Best Book, Together We Re...

Author Maggie North joins us to talk about romances, second chance stories, Canadian wilderness, autism rep, and Sierra gushing over her.

Maggie writes deeply emotional, strangely hilarious novels about introverts at the end of their @#$% ropes, STEM, Canada, and other overlooked, underrated things you'd love to discover. She lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her spouse, The Kid, and a rotating cast of hypoallergenic aquarium friends.

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