The Fresh Fiction Podcast

Join Samantha Tennant for an engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Video Book Club featuring special guest Asa Maria Bradley. Dive into the world of Viking romance, as Asa shares her journey from writing women's fiction to becoming a celebrated romance author, including nominations for the RWA's Rita Award and winning the Holt Medallion. Discover the creative process behind her immersive worlds filled with Vikings, shifters, and rich Norse mythology. Learn about her inspiration, character development, and upcoming projects set to enthrall readers. Plus, enjoy a fun segment with personal insights from Asa. Don't miss this insightful and entertaining conversation!   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Asa Maria Bradley's Writing Journey 01:49 Discovering Romance Writing 04:24 Viking Romance and Norse Mythology 08:36 World Building and Character Development 13:56 Characters and Their Stories 19:36 Fresh Fiction Facts 19:45 Swedish Influences and Childhood Favorites 21:37 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions 28:04 Favorite Books and Authors 30:59 Current and Upcoming Projects 34:10 Where to Follow and Final Thoughts Asa Maria Bradley: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38481 Norse Warriors Protection: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=8178

In this episode of Fresh Fiction's video book club, Samantha Tennant welcomes guest Eloisa James, a renowned author and Shakespeare professor. Eloisa shares insights about her recent summer in Italy, the inspiration behind her writing, and the process of blending her academic career with her passion for romance novels. She discusses the importance of setting and atmosphere in her work, the impact of family collaboration on her stories, particularly with her daughter's input, and the challenges of evolving her writing style to meet contemporary sensibilities. Eloisa also answers rapid-fire questions about her personal preferences and sheds light on her upcoming works and favorite literary influences.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Summer in Italy: A Rejuvenating Experience 01:18 Writing Process: Italy vs. New York 02:40 Balancing Teaching and Writing 05:16 Influence of Shakespeare on Romance Writing 07:36 Collaborating with Family on Writing 11:29 Adapting to Changing Reader Expectations 14:16 Maintaining the Essence of Romance 17:15 Escapism in Literature 18:33 Personal Stories of Comfort 19:18 Favorite Tropes in Romance 20:53 Fresh Fiction Facts: Rapid Fire Questions 21:06 Time Travel Preferences 21:53 Paranormal Genres and Favorites 22:40 Nostalgia and Disappointments 24:47 Field Trip Memories 25:43 TV Shows and Rewatching 28:15 Reading Habits and Recommendations 29:40 Connecting with Readers 31:06 Conclusion and Farewell Eloisa James: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4755

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with bestselling thriller author Lisa Regan, creator of the beloved Josie Quinn series. Discover how Lisa's diverse background and lifelong passion for storytelling shaped her writing career, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from plotting twists to developing unforgettable characters. Plus, enjoy a round of rapid-fire questions that reveal Lisa's favorite distractions, must-have luxuries, and more. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her books, this conversation is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of bookish fun!

Join us for a delightful conversation with the fabulous Leah Vale. Leah shares her journey from a romance novel critic to a successful author of 19 books, with a special focus on her love for cowboys and ranch life. Learn how her unique voice shaped her writing career, and get a sneak peek into her recent work, including a book being adapted into a film. Leah also discusses her future projects, her inspirations, and even her adventures with pets and camping. Don't miss this entertaining and insightful interview, complete with insider tips and engaging anecdotes.   Want even more bookish fun? Sign up at FreshFiction.com for daily fresh picks, exclusive contests, and can't-miss author events — all delivered straight to your inbox. It's free, it's fun, and it's full of fabulous reads! Sign up today: http://eepurl.com/Q-u19     00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Leah's Journey to Becoming a Writer 03:07 Love for Cowboys and Horses 05:32 Research and Inspiration for Cowboy Stories 07:33 Exciting News: Book Adaptation into Film 11:22 The Cowboy Undoing: A Unique Romance 14:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 19:44 Upcoming Projects and Staying Connected 21:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Leah Vale: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=7491 THE COWBOY'S UNDOING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=136686

“Writing steamy scenes is easy—it's getting my characters to talk afterward that's the hard part.” In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with fan-favorite romance author Jade Lee—also known as Kathy Lyons—to talk all things love, laughter, and literary scandal! We're diving into THE DUKE'S GUIDE TO FAKE COURTSHIP, a Regency romance that's full of witty banter, unexpected twists, and a deliciously slow-burn love story you won't want to miss. Jade shares how she brings humor and heart to historical fiction, her favorite tropes to write, and the secret behind creating irresistible chemistry between characters. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her books, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and bookish joy.  Tune in, subscribe, and don't forget to tell your fellow romance readers!  Find more great reads at FreshFiction.com

Join Samantha Tennnant in this episode of Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club as she sits down with paranormal romance author Charley Black. Discover Charley's journey from a young writer to a published author, her inspiration from classic vampires like Anne Rice's 'INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE', and the process behind creating her dystopian world in her latest series, Elite. Learn about Charley's writing habits, favorite books, and how she builds intricate worlds that captivate readers. Don't miss out on hearing about her newest release 'BOUND' and get insights into her creative mind. Perfect for fans of romance, dystopian settings, and vampire lore!   00:00 Welcome to Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club 00:44 Charley's Writing Journey Begins 01:32 The Allure of Paranormal Romance 03:13 Crafting Unique Vampire Worlds 05:19 Building a Dystopian Romance 06:47 Character Development and Challenges 12:11 Revisiting and Revising Stories 16:43 Fresh Fiction Fun Facts 17:52 Music and Writing 18:41 Luxury Items and Reading Habits 19:09 Favorite Children's Books 19:38 Ideal Paradise 20:21 Spending $50,000 in One Store 20:59 Refusing to Buy Audiobooks 21:56 Mount Rushmore of Authors 23:23 Forgetting the Cell Phone 23:51 Guilty Pleasure Movies 24:31 Pet Peeves and Story Distractions 25:56 Stepping into Book Worlds 27:07 Favorite One-Hit Wonders 27:50 Most Dog-Eared Books 30:03 Where to Find More from the Author Charley Black: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=48967 BOUND: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=139535

Join Samantha Tennant on the Fresh Fiction Podcast as she welcomes USA Today bestselling author Donna Michaels. They dive into Donna's new book, 'BENNETT,' part of her swoon-worthy romantic series. Discover the inspiration behind Donna's strong heroines, military heroes, and the small-town vibes that captivate fans. Donna shares personal stories, writing challenges, and exciting updates about her upcoming works, including a new cozy mystery series. Perfect for fans of protective heroes and heartwarming romances!   00:13 Meet Donna Michaels: Bestselling Romance Author 01:03 Technical Glitches and Beginnings 01:53 Donna's Writing Journey 03:05 Military Influence and Personal Stories 04:59 Balancing Writing and Family Life 06:07 Character Development and Inspiration 07:57 Crafting Romance and Mystery 12:40 Harlan County Mysteries 15:30 Research and Realism in Writing 16:54 Exploring the Appeal of Ranch Settings in Fiction 17:39 The Evolution of Writing and the Role of Editors 19:23 Challenges and Tricks for Getting into the Writing Mindset 21:48 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions 29:58 Upcoming Releases and Final Thoughts Donna Michaels: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=35465 BENNETT: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=138882

Join Samantha Tennant as she chats with bestselling author Julie Ann Walker in this exciting installment of the Fresh Fiction Book Club. Julie discusses her journey to becoming an acclaimed writer, including the fascinating story of how her first book, 'HELL ON WHEELS,' was published. They reminisce about pre-COVID book club gatherings, share insights into Julie's writing process, and discuss the development of her popular series such as Black Knights Inc and Deep Six. Discover Julie's inspirations, her love for horror literature, and her travel adventures. This episode is filled with engaging stories, humor, and a peek into Julie's everyday life. Don't miss it!   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:40 Julie's Early Book Club Memories 02:07 The Journey to Publishing 'HELL ON WHEELS' 07:40 Improving the Craft of Writing 10:08 Inspiration Behind the Black Knights Series 15:03 Returning to Series and Future Plans 18:34 Deep Six Series and Treasure Hunting 19:44 Fresh Fiction Facts 19:55 Travel and Nature Adventures 20:06 Ideal Paradise: New Zealand 21:14 Language Struggles 23:38 Karaoke Nights 24:58 Hiking Shoe Collection 26:19 Online Shopping Fails 28:02 TV Show Obsessions 29:08 Favorite Books and Authors 32:49 Current Writing Projects 36:42 Social Media and Updates Julie Ann Walker: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=29621 BLACK MOON RISING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=133943 Black Knights, Inc.: Reloaded series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=6890 Black Knights, Inc series https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=340 Deep Six series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=1835

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we're whisked away to Gilded Age Newport with bestselling mystery author Alyssa Maxwell, as we uncover the secrets behind her newest release, Two Weddings and a Murder.

Welcome to another episode of our video book club! We are thrilled to have author Katie Mettner as our special guest tonight. Explore Katie's incredible journey from being a medical transcriptionist and a passionate reader to becoming an amputee and eventually diving into the world of writing and self-publishing. Katie also discusses the importance of accurate representation of disabilities in literature, her shift from writing romantic suspense to thrillers with psychic elements, and her experiences with Harlequin's intrigue series. Stick around till the end for insights into her upcoming releases, and watch how Katie balances her personal life with her writing career. Don't miss this compelling episode filled with inspiration and creativity!   00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction 00:42 Katie's Unique Story and Decorated Prosthetics 03:08 Crafting, Pinterest, and Creative Outlets 04:44 Journey into Writing and Self-Publishing 06:41 Representation of Disabilities in Romance 10:55 Transition to Thrillers and Suspense Writing 14:59 Writing Process and Challenges 20:20 Fresh Fiction Facts: Fun Q&A 28:08 Upcoming Projects and Closing Remarks DARK ENDINGS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=139534 Katie Mettner: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=46190

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, host Samantha Tennant chats with bestselling author Jennifer Probst about her transition from writing sexy contemporary romances to women's fiction. They delve into Jennifer's latest book, TO SICILY WITH LOVE, the inspiration behind her Italian settings, and the differences between penning rom-coms and more serious women's fiction. Jennifer also shares anecdotes from her personal life, her writing process, and answers fun rapid-fire questions. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Jennifer's work, this candid conversation offers a delightful mix of literary insights and personal stories.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:50 Weather and Small Talk 02:03 Inspiration Behind the Italian Series 05:31 Research and Writing Process 07:54 Transition to Women's Fiction 14:13 Writing Techniques and Challenges 19:23 Quick Fire Questions 25:21 Upcoming Releases and Closing Remarks   Jennifer Probst: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=11651 TO SICILY WITH LOVE: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135120

Bestselling author Tracy Goodwin joins us for a delightful chat about Imperfectly Perfect, her latest rom-com featuring a runaway bride, a mischievous beagle, and a hilarious journey to love. Tracy shares the inspiration behind her stories, her whirlwind career writing across multiple romance genres, and the real-life beagle who stole her heart (and maybe a few scenes in her book). We also dive into her New York roots, her love of Billy Joel, and her writing rituals—plus, she reveals what's next on her publishing horizon! If you love heartfelt romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and stories that make you swoon, this is an episode you won't want to miss! LINKS: Tracy Goodwin: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=43545 IMPERECTLY PERFECT: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132620

Bestselling author Sharon Sala joins us for a heartwarming conversation about her latest holiday romance, SNOWY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS. Sharon shares the inspiration behind this emotional and uplifting story, the unique challenges of writing a Christmas novel, and how she weaves suspense and deep character connections into her books. We also dive into her incredible career—spanning over 145 books—and how she keeps storytelling fresh across genres. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, the importance of finding a creative community, and what's next on her horizon! If you love festive romances with heart, healing, and a touch of drama, this is an episode you won't want to miss! LINKS: Sharon Sala: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4913 SNOWY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132628

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Sarah Reyes is joined by the esteemed Sandra Brown, a celebrated author with over 80 novels and 77 New York Times bestsellers. They delve deep into Brown's latest thriller BLOOD MOON, exploring the eerie blood moon phenomenon which inspired it. The conversation covers various historical and cultural references to blood moons, Brown's career longevity, her writing process, and character development. Sandra shares personal anecdotes, details about her new novel in progress, and thoughts on her writing challenges and inspirations. Additionally, listeners get to enjoy engaging quick-fire questions that reveal Sandra's personal preferences and thoughts on various subjects.   00:00 Introduction to the Fresh Fiction Podcast 00:09 Meet Sandra Brown: Queen of Suspense 00:37 The Inspiration Behind Blood Moon 01:09 Historical Significance of Blood Moons 01:58 Sandra Brown's Career and Achievements 04:19 Personal Anecdotes and Reader Impact 07:38 Developing Blood Moon: Characters and Plot 21:21 Writing Challenges and Villain Creation 24:22 Rapid Fire Questions with Sandra Brown 33:15 Sandra's Favorite Books and Influences 39:27 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts 44:14 Conclusion and Farewell LINKS: BLOOD MOON: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135625 Sandra Brown: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4928

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Samantha Tennant interviews Piper J. Drake, the author of the Mythwoven series. They discuss Drake's journey to becoming an author, which began with her interest in storytelling, science fiction, and fantasy. Piper shares how personal challenges and significant life changes, including a heart attack in 2021, influenced her writing and life decisions. They explore the themes of her works, including her latest book FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY, which integrates Pacific Rim mythologies and a unique blend of fantasy and romance. Piper also talks about balancing her career in regulatory compliance with her writing, traveling, and other interests. The conversation touches on her experiences traveling to countries like Egypt, her favorite travel destinations, and her approach to maintaining joy and balance in her life. Piper emphasizes making conscious decisions to pursue joy and happiness in her work and personal life. Finally, she gives a glimpse into her future projects, including a cozy mystery and another entry in the Mythwoven series. Piper J. Drake: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38889 Mythwoven series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=7479 FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132677

In this engaging episode of the Video Book Club, our host welcomes the illustrious Jayne Ann Krentz, a versatile author with over 50 New York Times bestselling books under her belt. We dive into Jayne's vibrant and meticulously coordinated style, from her outfits to her colorful surroundings. Jayne shares her journey from a librarian to a renowned writer, discussing the challenges and transformations in the publishing industry. Learn about her various pen names, each representing different genres she explores, and her fascination with psychics, podcasts, and paranormal elements in her stories. Stick around till the end as Jayne reveals exciting details about her latest trilogy, 'The Lost Night Files,' and her upcoming releases. Don't miss this captivating conversation that takes you behind the scenes of a prolific author's creative world.   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:10 Author's Background and Writing Journey 04:06 The Evolution of Romance Genres 05:17 Writing Trilogies and Character Development 06:19 The Lost Night Files Trilogy 07:27 Psychic Elements in Writing 20:54 Upcoming Releases and Writing Process 22:29 Fun Facts and Personal Insights 28:43 Conclusion and Q&A Jayne Ann Krentz: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=217 SHATTERING DAWN: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132859 Lost Night Files: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=6566

Join Samantha T. in this Fresh Fiction Video Book Club episode as she interviews Georgia K. Boone about her debut romantic comedy novel, 'I'LL BE GONE FOR CHRISTMAS.' Discover Georgia's journey into writing, her inspiration behind the book's unique plot, and the challenges she faced creating interwoven storylines. Georgia also shares fun insights about her writing process, favorite aspects of her characters, and some rapid-fire Christmas-themed questions. Don't miss this delightful conversation filled with holiday spirit and writing wisdom!   00:00 Welcome to Fresh Fiction Video Book Club 00:29 Meet Georgia K. Boone 02:30 Balancing Multiple Storylines 04:07 Character Dynamics and Development 05:25 Fun Aspects and Challenges of Writing 14:16 Christmas Themed Rapid Fire Questions 19:20 What's Next for Georgia K. Boone? I'll Be Gone for Christmas - https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=133001 Georgia K. Boone - https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=51837  

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we sit down with author Lynn Austin to discuss her new Christmas book, 'WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS.' Set in the Gilded Age, the novel explores the opulence and contrasts of the era through the story of a young couple's first Christmas together. Lynn shares her fascinating journey of becoming a writer, her detailed research on the Gilded Age, and her experiences visiting historic mansions. We also delve into the festive spirit with Lynn's favorite holiday traditions and dishes. Perfect for book lovers looking for their next great read and a peek behind the curtain of holiday fiction.   Lynn Austin: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=6510 WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135191   00:00 Welcome to the Fresh Fiction Podcast 00:29 Interview with Lynn Austin: Writing a Christmas Book 03:12 Exploring the Gilded Age Setting 05:14 Research Insights and Historical Surprises 13:14 Christmas Traditions and Personal Stories 18:28 Quick-Fire Holiday Questions 25:24 Staying Connected with Lynn Austin

Fresh Fiction Book Club | Exclusive Interview with Author Elizabeth Boyle Join Samantha T in this special episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club as she interviews the acclaimed author Elizabeth Boyle. Elizabeth, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her Regency novels, shares insights into her latest release, 'Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.' The conversation covers Elizabeth's writing journey, her deep-rooted friendships, experiences on vacation in Hawaii, and her transition from a paralegal to a successful writer. Samantha and Elizabeth explore her creative process, favorite books, and the importance of friendship, while also delving into fun rapid-fire questions and holiday traditions.   LINKS: Elizabeth Boyle: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4819 O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM : https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135598   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:31 Elizabeth Boyle's Latest Release 00:57 Vacation Mode in Hawaii 02:53 Knitting and Audiobooks 03:40 Elizabeth's Writing Journey 05:23 From Paralegal to Author 06:50 The Contest That Changed Everything 12:39 Transition to Regency and Beyond 13:29 The Inspiration Behind the New Series 20:17 Unveiling the Layers of the Story 21:02 Creating an Authentic Town 21:32 The Book of My Heart 22:11 Leveling Up in Writing 22:25 Rapid Fire Questions 29:00 Favorite Holiday Traditions 32:22 Looking Forward to the Next Book 33:53 Final Thoughts and Farewells

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Book Club, host Samantha T welcomes renowned author Abigail Owen. Celebrating her rise as a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Abigail discusses her latest book, 'THE GAMES GOD'S PLAY,' a standout in the emerging 'romantasy' genre. The episode explores her writing journey, world-building techniques, and the intricacies of blending romance with mythology. Abigail also shares personal anecdotes, including her past as a competitive skydiver and insights into managing multiple pen names. Tune in for an engaging conversation about books, writing, and much more! For a monthly subscription of books delivered to your door, try the Fresh Fiction Box -- https://www.freshfictionbox.com 00:00 Introduction to Fresh Fiction Book Club 00:27 Discover the Fresh Fiction Box 01:14 Meet Abigail Owen 01:51 Abigail Owen's Writing Journey 02:18 Exploring the Romanticy Genre 03:54 Mythology in Abigail Owen's Books 06:03 World Building Insights 14:37 Balancing Multiple Pen Names 18:51 Abigail's Personal Life and Interests 21:41 Rapid Fire Questions 28:08 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Book Club Podcast, host Samantha Tee delves into the writing career of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep. They discuss Jennifer's journey from her initial inspiration to become a writer, her various book series, and her explorations of different genres—from superheroes and assassins to young adult fantasy and sci-fi. 

This episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast features an engaging interview with author Emma Barry, promoting her new book BAD REPUTATION. Barry shares her journey into writing romance, influenced by favorites like LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. She discusses her 'Fly Me to the Moon' series, inspired by the 1960s Space Race, and the collaborative process to ensure scientific accuracy. The conversation explores writing characters with unique professions, particularly in STEM, and the creation of BAD REPUTATION, centered on an intimacy coordinator and a former typecast actor.  Balancing realism with storytelling, Barry touches upon toxic celebrity culture's impact and advocating for older protagonists. The interview highlights Barry's transition from teaching drama to Hollywood, emphasizing character development and research. It also covers personal anecdotes, from unwinding after writing marathons to time travel fantasies. The discussion wraps up with a look at Barry's forthcoming book BOLD MOVES, about a showrunner and his ex-girlfriend adapting her memoir for TV, and her aspirations to learn French.  Follow Emma Barry =  https://authoremmabarry.com/ Buy a Readers & 'ritas ticket for November 9th at https://rnr24.eventbrite.com Learn more about the Fresh Fiction Box at https://www.freshfictionbox.com  

Join us for an interview with Zoje Stage, USA Today and internationally best selling author of BABY TEETH and DEAR HANNA.  Samantha T finds out more about the backstory and Zoje's plans for future books. 

Listen to our interview with Linda Hurtado Bond, author of romantic suspense and thrillers. Her latest is set in Cuba, an adventure for 48 hours you won't want to miss.

Join us for an exclusive interview with New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen as we dive into her latest novel, The Rose Arbor. Known for her beloved mystery series and captivating historical fiction, Rhys has enthralled readers worldwide, selling over 10 million copies in multiple languages. In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind her new standalone novel, her writing process, and how she keeps her many successful series straight. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a literary legend. Tune in to discover what makes Rhys Bowen a master storyteller!

In this episode, we sit down with Zen Cho, the acclaimed author of The Friend Zone Experiment. Join us for an engaging discussion as Zen dives into the inspiration behind her latest contemporary romance, set in London's vibrant East and Southeast Asian community. We'll explore her writing journey, her unique blend of romance and fantasy, and the challenges of balancing life as a lawyer and an award-winning author. Don't miss this lively conversation! Tune in and discover why Zen Cho's storytelling is captivating readers worldwide.

This week, we're chatting with Jessica Joyce, author of THE EX VOWS. Join us for a lively conversation about romance with Jessica! Take advantage of all North Texas events! Sign up for our weekly newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jessica Joyce lives happily-ever-ongoing with her husband and son in the Bay Area. When she's not writing character-driven, realistic and relatable tales of millennials who are just Doing Their Best while falling in love, you can find her listening to one of her dozens of chaotically curated Spotify playlists, trying out a new skincare face mask, crying over cute animal TikToks, or watching the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. Join us every week on Zoom for the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club from the comfort of your home. This online version of our in-person book club is the perfect way to stay connected (no matter the distance) each week with your reader friends. It's easy to sign up. Just create a Zoom.us account, download the app to your computer or device, and sit back with a snack while you chat with friends and a special guest author. If you missed a bookclub, you can find our videos of the interview on YouTube. 

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: THE 4:30 MOVIE review (0:00-14:18) Fantastic Fest 2024 preview (14:18-36:31) THE 4:30 MOVIE interview with stars Siena Agudong, Austin Zajur, Reed Northrup and Nicholas Cirillo (36:31-45:10)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: Movie News (0:00-16:20) BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE review (16:20-27:47) REBEL RIDGE review (27:47-37:49) STRANGE DARLING review (37:49-46:13) Cole's catchup with GREEDY PEOPLE and ALIEN: ROMULUS (46:13-48:25) Quick Mentions: APOLLO 13: SURVIVAL and THE FRONT ROOM (48:25-51:00) WHAT YOU WISH FOR Blu-ray review (51:00-52:31) TV Mentions: SUNNY, SLOW HORSES, and THE PERFECT COUPLE (52:31-59:07) WHAT YOU WISH FOR interview with Nick Stahl (59:07-1:07:49)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: 1992 review (0:00-09:24) Lee Daniels' THE DELIVERANCE review (09:24-19:35) ADAM SANDLER: LOVE YOU review (19:35-24:37) THAT 90S SHOW: PART 3 - Ep. 2-8 review (24:37-29:00) KILLER LIES: CHASING A TRUE CRIME CON MAN review (29:00-33:35) 1992 interview with director Ariel Vromen (33:35-43:06) KILLER LIES interview with journalist Lauren Collins and director Ben Selkow (43:06-56:20)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and High Def Digest's Bryan Kluger discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: Alamo Drafthouse reopenings in Dallas-Fort Worth (0:00-05:13) THE CROW mention (05:13-15:44) BLINK TWICE mention (15:44-19:36) GREEDY PEOPLE review (19:36-25:03) THAT 90S SHOW: PART 3 - Ep. 1 review (25:03-28:50) CHIMP CRAZY review (28:50-31:18) PANCHINKO: SEASON 2 (31:18-31:50) TWISTERS on Digital (31:50-33:47) TWISTERS interview with Sasha Lane (33:47-42:04) GREEDY PEOPLE interview with Himesh Patel (42:04-51:28)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta, James Cole Clay and Connor Bynum discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: ALIEN: ROMULUS review (0:00-28:48) Quick Mentions: SING SING and SKINCARE (28:48-29:52) OCEANXPLORERS review (29:52-32:49) BAD MONKEY review (32:49-33:48) FURIOSA (4K) disc review (33:48-1:01:27) BAD MONKEY interview with showrunner, executive producer and writer Bill Lawrence (1:01:27-1:07:35) OCEANXPLORERS interview with ex-Royal Marine Special Ops Commando Aldo Kane and robotics expert Eric Stackpole (1:07:35-1:18:36)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: Olympics 2024 & Olympics movies (0:00-21:42) THE INSTIGATORS review (21:42-36:02) ONE FAST MOVE review (36:02-40:37) SING SING review (40:37-43:02) BORDERLANDS and CUCKOO mentions (43:02-49:07) IT ENDS WITH US review with guest critic Susan Kamyab Stephens (49:07-1:09:25) ONE FAST MOVE interview with Edward James Olmos (1:09:25-1:16:29) SING SING interview with director Greg Kwedar, screenwriter Clint Bentley and producer Monique Walton (1:16:29-1:30:44)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM M. Night Shyamalan's TRAP - Extended Review (0:00-47:42) TV Paris 2024 Olympics continued (47:42-49:49) WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING DEMONS and DEMONS 2 (4K) (49:49-52:22) INTERVIEWS 7 BEATS PER MINUTE interview with freediving athlete Jessea Lu and filmmaker Yuqi Kang (52:22-1:15:33)

We're chatting with Delia Pitts, author of the TROUBLE IN QUEENSTOWN. Join this lively conversation! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Delia Pitts worked as a journalist before earning a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. After a career as a U.S. diplomat and university administrator, she left academia to begin writing fiction. TROUBLE IN QUEENSTOWN is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Black private investigator Vandy Myrick. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries (about a Harlem detective firm) and several short stories. She's a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.

We're chatting with Kelley Armstrong, author of the FINDING MR. WRITE. Join this lively conversation! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong believes that experience is the best teacher, even though she has been told that this shouldn't apply to writing her murder scenes. In order to craft her books, she has studied aikido, archery, and fencing, even though she admits to not being very skilled at any of them. In addition, she has crawled through very shallow cave systems and climbed halfway up a mountain before deciding to turn back. However, she does consider herself an expert coffee drinker and a true connoisseur of chocolate chip cookies.

We're chatting with Jade Lee, author of the VIXEN (Forbidden Pleasures Book #1). Join this lively conversation! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jade Lee, a USA Today Bestselling author, has been crafting love stories since her early days of playing with paper dolls. She developed a fascination with historical romance and has authored over 30 regency romances. She also writes contemporary and paranormal romance under the pen name Kathy Lyons. With over 60 romance novels under her belt, Jade shows no signs of slowing down.

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Movie News DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE TV PARIS 2024 Olympics FANTASMAS KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING THE FALL GUY (4K) THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY (Blu-ray) INTERVIEWS LADY IN THE LAKE interview with actors Josiah Cross, Y'lan Noel and Byron Bowers

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-1:43) TWISTER and TWISTERS (1:43-19:31) WIDOW CLICQUOT (19:31-21:33) ODDITY (21:33-23:16) MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY (23:16-25:59) TV SUNNY (25:59-34:55) LADY IN THE LAKE (34:55-40:58) Ep. 7 & 8, THE ACOLYTE (40:58-47:34) KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! mention (47:34-48:11) SIMONE BILES: RISING (48:11-51:43)  WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY Blu-ray mention (51:43-53:20) JEDI ACADEMY books (53:20-59:42) HATE TO LOVE: NICKELBACK (59:42-1:09:57) BEVERLY HILL COP: ALEX F (1:09:57-1:13:39) Outro (1:13:39-1:15:29) INTERVIEWS LADY IN THE LAKE interview with creator Alma Har'el (1:15:29-1:20:41) MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY interview with Ken Jeong & Kristen Schaal (1:20:41-1:26:00)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and Irving Community Television's Susan Kamyab Stephens discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-2:51) FLY ME TO THE MOON (2:51-9:09) DANDELION (9:09-16:00) LONGLEGS (16:00-27:31) TV Season 2, THE SERPENT QUEEN (27:31-29:24) SUNNY (29:24-32:00) Season 21, THE BACHELORETTE (32:00-34:23) WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING KUNG FU PANDA 4 (34:23-35:02) TWISTER (35:02-36:09) INTERVIEWS SUNNY interview with Rashida Jones and Hidetoshi Nishijima (translated to English) (36:06-44:56) DANDELION interview with writer-director Nicole Riegel (44:56-1:00:15)

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-7:13) DESPICABLE ME 4 (7:13-9:51) SPACE CADET (9:51-11:33) BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F. (11:33-17:29) MAXXXINE (17:29-30:50) TV Episode 6 of THE ACOLYTE (30:50-44:41) Season 2, Ep. 3-8 of THAT 90'S SHOW (44:41-49:53) SHARK VS. ROSS EDGLEY (49:53-56:23) Season 3 of THE BEAR (56:23-1:03:53) INTERVIEWS SHARK VS. ROSS EDGLEY interview with super athlete Ross Edgley (1:03:53-1:16:39)

We're chatting with Nishita Parekh, author of the THE NIGHT OF THE STORM. Join this lively conversation about her debut novel! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nishita Parekh was born and raised in Mumbai and now lives in Texas with her husband and toddler. She is a software programmer but a writer at heart, and loves writing about her experiences as a woman and an immigrant. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime, and is a #RevPit contest winner. The Night of the Storm is her first novel.

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-2:50) A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (2:50-12:04) HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGE - CHAPTER 1 (12:04-14:46) KINDS OF KINDNESS (14:46-16:44) THE DEVIL'S BATH (16:44-21:00) JANET'S PLANET (21:00-22:16) I USED TO BE FUNNY (22:16-23:58) FANCY DANCE (23:58-26:10) TV Episode 4 & 5 of THE ACOLYTE (26:10-29:12) Season 2 Finale of PERFECT MATCH (29:12-32:40) Season 2, Ep. 1 & 2 of THAT 90'S SHOW (32:40-35:12) WONDLA and Outro (35:12-36:17) INTERVIEWS WONDLA voice star Teri Hatcher (36:17-46:33) THE DEVIL'S BATH directors Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala (46:33-1:04:16)

We're chatting with Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling, authors of THE MEMO. Join this lively conversation about their work! ABOUT RACHEL DODES: Rachel Dodes is a freelance culture writer. She's a regular contributor to Vanity Fair, and her work has also appeared in Town & Country, ELLE, Esquire, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed among other publications. Her first novel, The Memo—co-written with her friend Lauren Mechling —will be published by Harper Perennial in June 2024. It's currently being developed for television by Wiip. Dodes previously was a staff writer at The Wall Street Journal where she covered the fashion and film industries. Starting in 2017, she co-hosted a weekly independent news/comedy podcast called “Nope,” until the news became so unfunny she had to go on hiatus. She lives in New York with her husband, son and dog. ABOUT LAUREN  MECHLING: Lauren Mechling has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, The New Yorker online, and Vogue, where she writes a book column. She's worked as a crime reporter and metro columnist for The New York Sun, a young adult novelist, and a features editor at The Wall Street Journal. A graduate of Harvard College, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-1:15) THE BIKERIDERS (1:15-9:15) THELMA (09:15-12:09) THE EXORCISM (12:09-18:07) TV Episode 3 of THE ACOLYTE (18:07-20:00) Season 2, Ep. 6-9 of PERFECT MATCH (20:00-26:47) WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING JIM HENSON: IDEA MAN (26:47-35:00) CRY BABY - 4K (35:00-39:12) DIIV Concert (39:12-44:29) Tycho - "Phantom" Single (44:29-48:34) Outro (48:34-49:14) INTERVIEWS THELMA writer-director Josh Margolin and star June Squibb (49:14-54:29) THE EXORCISM director/co-writer Joshua John Miller and co-writer M.A. Fortin (54:29-1:04:26)

We're chatting with Aimée Carter, author of the ROYAL BLOOD series. Join this lively conversation about her work! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aimée Carter is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including The Goddess Test series, the Blackcoat Rebellion series, and the Simon Thorn series for middle grade readers, now a #1 international bestselling series under the title Animox and Die Erben der Animox. Her newest middle grade book, Curse of the Phoenix, will be released in June from Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay and special guest Susan Kamyab Stephens (of Irving Community Television & ThisChixFlix.com) discuss the latest happenings in entertainment. This week's episode features talks about: FILM Intro (0:00-2:20) INSIDE OUT 2 (2:20-23:50) FRESH KILLS (23:50-28:45) FIREBRAND (28:45-33:48) Quick Mention: TUESDAY (33:48-36:20) TV Quick Mentions: PRESUMED INNOCENT and Season 2 - Part 2 of BRIDGERTON (36:20-38:25) Season 2 of PERFECT MATCH (38:25-45:50) Episode 2 of THE ACOLYTE (45:50-48:05) WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING MVD Rewind Collection's JOYSTICKS (48:05-54:01) GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (54:01-55:59) Outro (55:59-56:57) INTERVIEWS INSIDE OUT 2 voice actor Tony Hale (56:57-1:02:31) FRESH KILLS writer/director/star Jennifer Esposito (1:02:31-1:09:44)

We're chatting with Lisa Regan, author of the Detective Josie Quinn series, including Her Dying Secret. Join this lively conversation about her work! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master of Education degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.

We're chatting with Shaina Steinberg, author of Under the Paper Moon. Join this lively conversation about his work! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shaina Steinberg is the author of the Bishop & Gallagher Mysteries, as well as a film and television writer who's worked on Malcolm in the Middle, Everwood, Cold Case, Bionic Woman and Spartacus. Named to the Young and Hungry List in 2013 and the WriteHer List in 2017, she has developed pitches, pilots and features with companies such as Temple Hill, Endgame Entertainment, Fremantle, eOne, Blondie Girl, Josephson Entertainment and Alcon. Most recently, she optioned a feature film to Balcony 9 with shooting scheduled to begin in 2023. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, CA.

We're chatting with Amy Andrews, author of the OUTBACK HEAT series. Join this lively conversation about his work! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, triple RITA nominated Aussie author who has written eighty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets and sold over 3 million books. Her books bring all the feels from sass and quirk and laughter to emotional grit to panty-melting heat. She loves frequent travel, good books, and great booze, although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years, she was a registered nurse. Which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she's not afraid to use them! In 2019, Romance Writers of Australia, an organization she has been heavily involved with for over twenty years, gave her life member status. She lives in the pretty little coastal town of Yeppoon, where she gets to stare at the ocean all day.