A group of Raleigh-area teens working with Quail Ridge Books on the Teen Advisory Board chat all things Young Adult literature. Episodes every Sunday!
Happy Sunday, this week's episode has been in the works for QUITE a while and I am so so excited to finally share it with the world! I recently got to chat with Veronica Litt about her upcoming book Ugh, As If!: Clueless, the latest installment in ECW Press' Pop Classics Series. While tackling the book's titular topic of Clueless (1995) we also find ourselves chatting about the enduring allure of Paul Rudd, Litt's ideal reboot/continuation of the classic film, and the perpetual power of "guilty pleasures" or "girly media"Follow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresListen to my previous interviews with Pop Classics Authors!Jen Sookfong-Lee on My Own Private Idaho (1991)Michael Hingston on Calvin and HobbesAndrea Warner on Dirty Dancing (1987)Bonus! My article about the book (which was blurbed by the publisher!)Get Ugh, As If! (out June 3rd!)On Paper/On The Same Page BooksJ.H. GordonThe City And The CityA Different DrummerThe Printed WordOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
From Diving On Horseback to Spying On Ex-Flames Jenni L. Walsh Does It All - Ace, Marvel, Spy with Jenni L. WalshOn this week's Tuesday edition of OTS I got to chat with Jenni L. Walsh about her recent novel (and 13th overall!!) Ace, Marvel, Spy, a historical fiction work based on the true life of Alice Marble. I had a lovely conversation with Jenni and I really hope that you enjoy!Follow JenniFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet Ace, Marvel, Spy!!Newtown BookshopLitchfieldQuail RidgeParnassus FoxTaleOdyssey Books
This week on OTS, I got to speak with the incredible Kelsey Impicciche about her debut novel Voice Of The Ocean, a YA fantasy romance flipping the script on The Little Mermaid with hints of Pirate of the Caribbean. This was such a dream come true interview for me and I'm so honored I get to share this interview and learn more about Kelsey's book!Follow KelseyInstagramYoutubeFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet Voice Of The Ocean!The Ripped Bodice LAThe Novel Memphis TNFable Hollow Bookshop Knoxville TNThe Novel Neighbor St Louis
Happy Tuesday! This week on OTS we got to chat with Mima Tipper author of Kat's Greek Summer, a YA and coming of age saga perfect for this upcoming summer season!Follow MimaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet Kat's Greek SummerPhoenix Books (VT)Inkling's Children's BooksOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
This week on OTS I got to chat with Jacqueline Davies author of The Lemonade War and it's new graphic novel adaptation with art by Karen De La Vega!Follow JacquelineWebsiteInstagramBluesky Follow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet The Lemonade War!The Silver UnicornOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
Happy Tuesday! For this extra episode I am so happy to share the conversation I had with author and illustrator Maria van Lieshout about her debut graphic novel SONG OF A BLACKBIRD. Maria and I explore how the story is tied with her personal and familial history, what it was like crafting this work as both the writer and artist, and how this has differed from all her work that has come before. Follow MariaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet SONG OF A BLACKBIRDBooks Inc. Book PassageMrs. Dalloways'sOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
Happy Sunday! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Zakiya N. Jamal about her debut novel, the queer YA enemies-to-lovers romance IF WE WERE A MOVIE! This conversation was an absolute delight so I really hope that you enjoy!Follow ZakiyaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet IF WE WERE A MOVIEThe Ripped Bodice Grand Gesture Books Center for FictionGreenlight books Odyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
Happy Tuesday! I'm so excited to bring this additional episode to you, this week! I got to chat with R.R. Boxall about her novel The Generation Archives which is a YA dystopia adventure you won't want to miss!Follow R.R.Follow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet The Generation Archives!Odyssey BooksQuail Ridge BooksThe Shetland TimesBarter Books
Happy Sunday! I am so SO happy to bring this interview to y'all today, I had the great honor of speaking with Lyndall Clipstone author of the upcoming romantic folk-horror TENDERLY, I AM DEVOURED, (out July 1st!) Join us this week as we delve into the entrancing world of Lacrimosa "Lark" Arriscane in this rich and wonderful gothic tale. Follow LyndallFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresPreorder TENDERLY, I AM DEVOUREDDymocks - Adelaide AUSUnderbrush BooksThe Ripped BodiceMain St BooksOdyssey Books
Happy Tuesday! In this extra installment of OTS I got to sit down with Barbara Dee about her 15th novel, the middle grade romp TEAR THIS DOWN. I had a blast talking to Barbara about this novel and hope you enjoy!Follow BarbaraFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet Tear This DownScattered BooksMrs. Dalloway'sOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
This week on OTS I got to chat with Shelby Mahurin author of The Shadow Bride! We had a fantastic chat about vampires, the trials, tribulations, and joy of writing a duology set in the same universe as Serpent & Dove and SO MUCH MORE! This was a delightful conversation and I really hope that you enjoy!Follow ShelbyFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet The Shadow BrideWild Geese BookshopOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
Happy Tuesday!For this week's extra episode I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Olivia Waite author of Murder By Memory, a cozy mystery set aboard a generation starship. Olivia and I dive into her love of sci-fi, mystery, and romance, how the pandemic provided the perfect moment to stir all these interests together and the creation of the wild world of Dorothy Gentleman. Enjoy!Follow OliviaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet MURDER BY MEMORYKing's BooksOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
This week on OTS I had the honor of speaking with one of my favorite authors, Amal El-Mohtar, about her debut solo novella THE RIVER HAS ROOTS. Amal and I dive into the fascinating journey of this novella, how this is her longest work of writing to date, how annoyance with a source material drove the creation of this retelling and SO much more. Hope you enjoy! Follow AmalFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet THE RIVER HAS ROOTSPerfect BooksThe Spaniel's TalePorter Square BooksOdyssey Bookshop
Happy April! For the second installment of the month I'm so happy to bring y'all an interview with Shveta Thakrar author of the Night Market triptych including it's latest installment DIVINING THE LEAVES!Follow ShvetaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet Divining The Leaves!Inkwood BooksBrave + Kind BooksLittle Shop of StoriesOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
Happy April! For the first episode of the month I am so excited to share PRIDE OR DIE the debut novel from C.L. Montblanc, out April 15th!! We get into the trials and tribulations of writing, the pure joy of Zoo Pals plates, and how humor was a draw for Montblanc to write as YA mystery... and so much more. Follow C.L.Follow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresPreorder/Get Pride Or DieThe Plot TwistOdyssey BookshopQuail Ridge Books
For our final episode of March 2025 I had the pleasure of chatting with Rosanne Parry about A Wolf Called Fire, along the way we chat about summer camp, the real world basis for A Wolf Called Fire - Wolf 8 - the novel's incredible illustrations and SO MUCH MORE. Follow Rosanne Follow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet A WOLF CALLED FIREAnnie Bloom's Books PortlandMidtown Reader TallahasseeBBGB Books RichmondThe Norwich Bookshop VermontOdyssey BookshopQuail Ridge Books
For the penultimate episode for March 2025 I got the opportunity to speak with TJ Klune about his latest novel THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN an adventurous YA romp set in the 1990s. Follow TJFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet THE BONES BENEATH MY SKINA Book For All Seasons, Leavenworth WAMostly Books, Tucson AZOdyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
This week on OTS meet Catherine Bakewell and her latest YA novel WHERE SHADOWS BLOOM, a magical adventure and swoony love story all rolled up into one. Catherine and I talk about pottery, character creation, and our mutual love of Kamilah Cole! Follow CatherineFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet WHERE SHADOWS BLOOMMainstreet BooksLeft Bank BooksNovel Neighbor Books
This week we explore the limits and possibilities of love with Sasa Hawk as we talk about her debut YA romantasy, UNLOCK THE DARKFollow SasaFollow OTSMap of Indie BooksellersGet UNLOCK THE DARKParnassus The BookShelf Odyssey BookshopQuail Ridge Books
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven comes atale that will leave readers eager to bargain for a sequel... Sasha Peyton Smith joins OTS to bring readers through the heavenly crafted alternate Victorian world found in The Rose Bargain... and you'll never want to leave. Sasha explores, with us, her writing return, world building/crafting alternate histories, and why she loves to write YA. Follow SashaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet The Rose Bargain!King's EnglishOne More Page Odyssey BooksQuail Ridge Books
In the last episode of Feb 2025 we got to sit down with Jackie Khalilieh, author of Something More! We take a trip through her sweet debut YA, her writing journey thus far, and what is coming next!Follow JackieFollow OTSGet Something More!Another Story (Can)A Different Booklist (Can)Odyssey Books (US)Quail Ridge Books (US)
This week on OTS? One of my biggest reader dreams came true! I got to interview the one, the only Ibi Zoboi about her latest work (s)kin, a contemporary fantasy, novel-in-verse! I had a fantastic time speaking with Ibi so I hope you enjoy this interview!Follow IbiFollow OTSMap of Indie Bookstores!Get (s)kin!Loyalty BookstoreOdyssey BookshopQuail Ridge Books
Welcome or welcome back to On The Shelf! Today's special guest is Andrea Warner author of "The Time Of My Life: Dirty Dancing". Andrea and I explore a mutual favorite film, the fun and doldrums of research, Dirty Dancing's iconic soundtrack and so much more!Follow AndreaFollow OTSMap of Indie BookstoresGet The Time of My LifeIron Dog BooksMassy BooksPulpfiction BooksBook Warehouse
Kamilah Cole is BACK with us today on OTS! Last year we explored her debut novel SO LET THEM BURN and this time we are tackling the sequel THIS ENDS IN EMBERS! We catch up, discuss sequelitis, and where the writing wind is taking Kamilah next... Listen to our interview from last year Follow Kamilah Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores! Get THIS ENDS IN EMBERS Word Bookstore Books of Wonder Third Place Books - Seattle The Secret Garden Book Shop Loyalty Books Mahogany Bookstore Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
For the final episode of January 2025, I am so proud to present a fantastic interview I did with Kayvion Lewis about her new novel Heist Royale! Kayvion and I explored everything that goes into crafting characters, receiving plots from prophetic dreams, and easter eggs hidden just beneath the surface! Follow Kayvion Follow OTS Map of Independent Bookstores! Get Heist Royale Topping Books (the bookstore with the ladder!) Quail Ridge Books Odyssey Books
This week Mackenzie Reed returns to On The Shelf to talk about The Wilde Trials, her second novel (out Jan. 21st!)! Apart from catching up Mackenzie and I explore the shared world of her novels, all of the fun - and fright - that goes into crafting the titular trials, and of course... so so much more. Follow Mackenzie! Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores! My first interview with Mackenzie about The Rosewood Hunt (from Oct. 2023!) Preorder The Wilde Trials!/Support An Indie Bookstore Book Culture Another Chapter Hipocampo Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
Katie Siegel is back with us for the THIRD time, and this week we get right into the meat of what it takes to write a mystery and the story of creating the two Charlotte Illes novels. This is a follow-up to an interview we did in mid-2024, before the release of Charlotte Illes Is Not A Teacher, the premise is to dive right into the spoilers now that the novel has been out for a few months. However we also catch up, explore our spotify wrapped results, and get off track... occasionally. If you don't want spoilers for this novel, I'd recommend checking out our previous discussion from July. And if you haven't heard of Katie or her series before I'd recommend our discussion about book 1 (Charlotte Illes Is Not A Detective) from 2023! Follow Katie Follow OTS Map of Indie Booksellers! Get Charlotte Illes Is Not A Teacher Word Bookstores Fountain Books Scrawl Books Curious Iguana The End
Elissa R. Sloan On Writing Her First Romance, Hollywood Royalty, And Starting A Story on A Bold Note Happy 2025! I'm so excited to bring y'all the first episode of the new year where I chat with Elissa R. Sloan about her latest novel DOUBLE EXPOSURE! It's Elissa's third time on the show and I couldn't think of a better way to usher in the new year! DOUBLE EXPOSURE is a romance novel that charts the decades long relationship between two stars on the rise, Maiko Fox and Adrian Hightower and effectively how they find their way back to each other. My previous interviews with Elissa: The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes (my first episode of 2023!) Hayley Aldridge Is Still Here (from March 2023) Follow Elissa Follow OTS Get DOUBLE EXPOSURE BookPeople BookWomen Black Pearl Books Austin The Book Burrow Lark and Owl
For the final episode of 2024 I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Alex Segura about his latest novel ALTER EGO, a companion to one of my favorite mysteries - SECRET IDENTITY. While we had just a quick chat we were able to dive into the origins of his work, his experience in comics, and how he was able to step into the shoes of his fictional killers. It was a lot of fun so I hope you enjoy! Follow Alex Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores Get ALTER EGO Kew and Willow Books Astoria Bookshop Queens Odyssey Books Quail Ridge
For the penultimate episode of the OTS 2024 season I am so excited to bring you an interview with Tori Sharp, the author and illustrator behind the graphic novel STAND UP! I have such a soft spot for this type of literature and was delighted to learn about the process what went into creating Sharp's sophomore graphic novel! Map of Indie Bookstores - Feat. Tori's Rec! Follow Tori Follow OTS Get STAND UP! Charlie's Queer Books Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
Today I had the great honor of speaking with Jason June about his newest YA rom-com perfect for this holiday season FLOPPING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND! This is an adorable and cozy romance that hit me at the perfect time so I am so thankful I got to speak with Jason June about this book! Follow Jason June Follow OTS Map of Independent Booksellers! now feat. Jason June's picks! Get FIAWW! Auntie's Bookstore Spokane BookPeople Austin Brazos Bookstore Huston Chevalier's books LA
This week I got to explore the world of the Brindlewatch Quintet with author S.M. Beiko. Our focus landed on the newly released book 2 (of 5) The Door In Lake Mallion. The Quintet exist as stand alone tales within a larger interconnected world and I got the scoop on the journey thus far as well as what is to come with book 3! Follow S.M. Follow OTS link to my interview with Kiersten White about Lucy, Undying from earlier this year! Map of Indie Bookstores now feat. S.M.'s picks! Get The Door In Lake Mallion! (shipping likely to be impacted by the Canadian Postal Strike) McNally Robinson Raven's End - St James -Horror Bkst Whodunnit Bookshop Quail Ridge Books Odyssey Books
Happy December! I had the great fortune of kicking off the month with a bang with Rachel Howzell Hall and her romantasy debut THE LAST ONE! Howzell Hall, best known for her extensive and impressive backlog of crime and mystery novels takes on a new and swoony worthy challenger with THE LAST ONE. We explore her journey from murder to magic, crafting memorable characters, and of course... what type of plate she would be. Follow Rachel Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores Get THE LAST ONE (out December 3rd!!!) The Book Jewel Octavia's Bookshelf Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
For my last episode of November I am so happy to introduce Victory Witherkeigh author of The Demon! A companion to her previous novel The Girl, this spooky and haunting ride needs no introduction or pre-requisite, you can dive right into this interview and learn more from Victory! Follow Victory Follow OTS Get The Demon Bookshop.org Quail Ridge Books Odyssey Books
Happy Sunday Listeners! For my second to last release of November 2024, I sat down with Caroline Wolff author of The Wayside about her unique road to publication and with her novel that takes readers into the secrets that lie beneath college campuses. Follow Caroline Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores (now with Caroline's recs!) Get The Wayside P &T Knitwear Lower East Side The Strand McNally Jackson Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
H.B. Akumiah joins On The Shelf today to talk about her debut novel BAD WITCHES, which follows a trio of women who upon a chance meeting on their 22nd birthdays learn they are witches and that the Witch Sphere needs there help... I had such a blast talking with Heather about her novel and while October may be in the past, you can crack open a witchy adventure like this all year round! Make Sure to Follow On The Shelf With Honora Quinn so you never miss an episode! Follow Heather Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores (now featuring the stores below!) Get Bad Witches Greenlight Bookstore Unnameable Books The BookMark Shoppe Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
Happy Sunday! In today's episode I spoke with debut author and veteran writer Moira Buffini about her novel Songlight which came out in September, 2024! We had such a fun conversation which has been a long time in the making for the show so be sure to check it out! Follow Moira Follow OTS Map of Independent Bookstores! Get Songlight! Tales on Moon Lane Herne Hill Books Dulwich Books Village Books
Happy Friday! I have the great honor of talking with author Alex Light about her newest YA novel It's Not Me, It's You, how her leads were inspired by Hozier lyrics, and her enduring love of romance and YA. It was an absolute DELIGHT talking with Alex so I hope you take a listen and enjoy the interview! Follow Alex Follow OTS Map of Indie Bookstores! Get It's Not Me, It's You! Word On The Water (UK) The Strand Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
Today I got to speak with the one and only Kendare Blake author of the Three Dark Crowns series and the Heromaker Duet. We specifically focus on the conclusion to the duet Warrior of Legend and touch on her inclusion in the White Guy Dies First Anthology! Interview with Terry J. Benton-Walker, editor of The White Guy Dies First Follow Kendare Follow OTS Invitation Bookshop Ballast Book Co. Bank St Books Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
For fans of Bridgerton and The Davenports comes Ida, In Love and In Trouble a historical novel following the young adulthood of Ida B. Wells from acclaimed and prolific author Veronica Chambers! I loved getting to speak with Veronica about Ida, about what it takes to write historical fiction (aka the research!!) and how she too began her career as a college student interviewing incredible people all from her dorm room! You won't want to miss out on this week's episode! Follow Veronica Follow OTS Get Ida, In Love and In Trouble! Politics and Prose DC McNally Jackson NY Little City Books NJ Nomad Books UK
Happy Friday! On this special edition of OTS I spoke with Kes Trester about her unique path to the wonderful world of YA, on crafting secret and magical societies within the walls of college, and SO MUCH MORE! Enjoy! Follow Kes Follow OTS Get To The Nines Chevaliers Books LA Annabelle's Book club Studio City The BookWorm Camarillo
Today on this Thursday edition of OTS I spoke with NYT bestselling author Colleen Houck about her new novel Tiger's Tale a brand new series set in the world of her iconic series! Follow Colleen Follow OTS Get Tiger's Tale Book Bin Powell's Books Odyssey Books Quail Ridge
Today on OTS I got to meet with Rebecca Stafford, Pushcart Prize winning poet about her debut YA novel Rabbit & Juliet. We had a lovely conversation and I am so happy it is our first episode for November 2024! Follow Rebecca Follow OTS Get Rabbit & Juliet Anderson's Bookstore Quail Ridge Books Odyssey Books
On today's rare Wednesday edition of OTS I talked with Tracey West, perhaps the most prolific author I've met thus far! We go into the realm of young readers books and the all ages fun of dragons! Follow Tracey! Follow OTS Get The Epic Guide To Dragon Masters! Quail Ridge Books Odyssey Books High Five Books (MA) The Dragon Wagon
Today I got to talk with YA icon Sarah Henning about her newest novel The Lies We Conjure, a YA murder mystery complete with magical chaos! This book is so much fun and perfect for the spooky fall season so dive right in with Sarah and myself as we get into The Lies We Conjure!! Follow Sarah Follow OTS Get The Lies We Conjure The Raven Bookstore (Kansas) Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
On today's extra special episode I got to talk with Andrea "A.T." Balsara about the second edition of her YA novel The Great And The Small for her first ever podcast appearance! We delve into this story of friendship along side Andrea's equally fascinating personal narrative and her personal writing journey, you won't want to miss out! Follow Andrea Follow OTS Get The Great And The Small! Furby House Books (Andrea's Rec!) Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
This week we dive into the magical world of Amari with the best host possible author B.B. Alston! B.B. and I dive into the creation of Amari, "Amari and the Despicable Wonders", book 3 in the Supernatural Investigations series, and his own journey through reading and writing thus far! Enjoy this exploration into magical, mystical, middle grade mayhem! Follow B.B. Follow OTS Get Amari and the Despicable Wonders!! All Good Books Columbia South Carolina The Strand NY
Happy Tuesday! Today on OTS I got to chat with the legendary Lady Janies (Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton) about MY LADY JANE, a historical fantasy/romance that gives Lady Jane Grey a new, and more magical, ending. I talk with the trio about why Lady Jane spoke to them, what it was like bringing the series to the small screen, and how co-writing works for the team. This was an absolutely FASCINATING discussion with some incredible authors so I really hope you enjoy! Follow The Lady Janies! Cynthia Hand Brodi Ashton Jodi Meadows Follow OTS Get My Lady Jane One More Page Books - Jodi's Rec Rediscovered Books - Cynthia's Rec Kings English - Brodi's Rec Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge
Today I got to talk with Maureen Johnson the mastermind behind the Truly Devious series and the new stand-alone mystery The Death At Morning House. We delve into Johnson's love of the genre both as a reader and a writer, why the setting an old historic house appealed to her and what it was like crafting a heroine in Marlowe Wexler! Follow Maureen Follow OTS Get Death At Morning House! (we have A LOT of options for you) Nowhere Bookshop St Antonio TX Blue Willow TX Murder By The Book TX Book Moon Amherst Changing Hands Boulder Bookstore Andersons The Novel Neighbor Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
Today and just in time for Halloween, I sit down with Terry J. Benton-Walker, author of Alex Wise and the Blood Debts series about the anthology The White Guys Dies First: 13 Stories of Fear and Power. Each story is written by an All-Star writer and riffs off 13 of the best known horror subgenres, slasher to haunted house, body horror and the final girl, you're not gonna want to miss this anthology OR this interview! Follow Terry Follow OTS Get The White Guy Dies First Little Shop of Stories Brave and Kind Booksellers 44th and 3rd Mysterious Galaxy Odyssey Bookshop Quail Ridge Books
On this week's special BONUS episode of On The Shelf, I got to speak with author, editor, and fellow podcast personality Jen Sookfong Lee about one of the hidden gems of her bibliography Gentlemen of The Shade: My Own Private Idaho. A short non-fiction book which details the life and legacy of Gus Van Sant's 1991 film of the same name. We dive into the book and movie at the core of this episode, of course, but also into Jen's life in writing thus far and how she has become the editor of the series this book belongs too. This was one of my favorite discussions yet so don't miss out! Follow Jen Follow OTS Link to my interview with Michael Hingston about Let's Go Exploring: Calvin and Hobbes another volume in the series! Get Gentlemen of The Shade Jen's Indie Recs (Canada) Iron Dog Books Upstart and Crow Elliot Bay Books US Indie Stores Odyssey Books Quail Ridge Books
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