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Support #Millennial! Visit Patreon.com/millennial to get exclusive bonus episodes, live stream access, and more! Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Follow the show in your favorite podcast app and leave us a review! Grab your popcorn and your feelings, because this week we're diving headfirst into the YA romance takeover happening on your TV right now. We're joined by Christine Riccio (author of 'Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone' and 'Attached at the Hip', host of Those Forking Fangirls podcast) to talk through whether we're actually living in a golden age of YA romance television, or if it just feels that way because Netflix and Amazon can't stop greenlighting shows built for people who grew up on The CW and obsessed over the Twilight saga. We get into what's different about the hype around shows like Off Campus, Heated Rivalry, and The Summer I Turned Pretty, how much of this we can credit to BookTok (and social media more broadly), and whether virality now matters more than a built-in fanbase ever did. Christine also brings her perspective as a published romance author to weigh in on how this boom is rippling into publishing. Plus: why does it seem like contemporary romance is winning while sci-fi and fantasy YA (RIP Vampire Academy and First Kill) can't get a second season? We break down what we think is really going on, and what we'd love to see more of on screen. Recs this week: Laura's got Obsession, Pam's bringing author Elissa Sussman, and Christine is serving up 'Cherry Baby' by Rainbow Rowell. Where to find Christine: Instagram, YouTube, Those F%#king Fangirls, Amazon And don't go anywhere after the credits roll — After Dark is getting personal this week with a round of "get to know each other better" questions pulled straight from Teen Vogue's best-friend deep-cuts. Head over to Patreon and support the show at the OTP tier or higher to get instant access! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: SPECIAL EPISODE 28: Our new friend, Lindsey Olsson! ACOFAE welcomes DEBUT author Lindsey Olsson to the podcast to discuss (SPOILER FREE) all things To Drown A Witch! Laura Marie and Jessica Marie are delighted to report that while writing and organizing To Drown A Witch Lindsey used a "murder board'! Longtime listeners will know how exciting this is. Join ACOFAE and Lindsey as they dive into the entire process of creating the world of Gadore. Someone is killing guards with magic and that someone can only be the witch. Or so it seems. In a world where women are being drown because men are scared, what happens when love isn't enough? TW / CW: none to our awareness For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: No spoilers! Mentions: To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/
Kathy Gagliano is the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books-A-Million, America's second-largest book retailer. Bringing a wealth of experience from major retailers like Parisian, Inc., Federated Department Stores, and Saks, Inc., Kathy joined Books-A-Million in 2007. Today, she helps guide the vision and strategy for the beloved company that started as a humble 1917 street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, and has since expanded into over 220 stores across 32 states.On this week's episode of the BookSmarts Podcast, Kathy sits down to discuss the evolving landscape of physical book retail. We dive into how Books-A-Million is adapting to a rapidly changing consumer demographic and welcoming the massive wave of younger readers fueled by BookTok. Kathy also shares her insights on viewing the bookstore as a real-time cultural barometer and reveals the heart behind their localized, "shop-in-a-shop" community hubs. Finally, we explore the company's current expansion into new markets and offer fantastic, tactical advice on how publishers can better partner with physical retailers to capture today's readers.To learn more about Books-A-Million and follow along with their continued growth, visit booksamillion.com. You can also reach out to Kathy directly at gaglianok@booksamillion.com.
Episode 179 - Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosIt finally happened.After months (okay... years) of recommendations, Kaitlyn has finally convinced Sam (the podcast's biggest skeptic) to read one of the biggest fantasy books of the decade.The pressure was on.When seemingly everyone around you loves a book, can you still judge it on its own merits? Sam certainly tries.In this episode, Sam and Kaitlyn discuss:Sam's long-awaited first read of Fourth WingWhether the hype helped or hurt the experienceThe worldbuilding, dragons, romance, and actionDisability representation in the bookWhether Sam's expectations were changed or confirmedWhether you're a devoted fan, a curious skeptic, or somewhere in between, join us as we dive into one of BookTok's biggest sensations.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Death on the Lanai by Rachel Ekstrom Courage⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:13 Background05:35 About the Author13:04 Age Level & Content Warning13:45 Judge a Book by Its Cover15:17 Discussion01:30:46 General Thoughts01:34:12 One Question for the Author01:36:20 Eyebrows and Dain's Beard01:37:37 Rating01:39:15 Read Again?01:42:04 What Next?01:43:12 Outro
Gebt mir euer FeedbackHofnarrGiaccomo liest den satirischen Klassiker:"Englischer Wetterbericht" von Ephraim KishonSupport the showMöchtet ihr mit mir Deutsch üben?Ihr könnt einfach im YouTube Kanal mitlesen!Read along in my YouTube Channel.вивчайте мову зі мною!Jedes Feedback ist willkommen...Every feedback ist appreciated.Und danke für den Support! Thanx for the support!Support my work (with a small subscription)Besucht mich unterhttps://allmylinks.com/wortschatzund mein Hörbuch unter https://www.allmylinks.com/keinenbock
On this episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Dan Holloway covers three positive stories: KDP raising the upper price limit for its top royalty bracket from $9.99 to $12.99, effective July 7th; Bookshop.org launching audiobooks for UK readers on a £12.99 monthly subscription designed to deepen ties between readers and their local indie bookstores; and the rise of dystomance — the blend of dystopia and romance trending on BookTok, with a self-published title helping drive the wave. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. About the Host Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet, and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, He competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available on Kindle.
Headlines: – Welcome to Mo News + World Cup Finals Is Set (02:00) – Trump CDC Director Nominee Grilled on Vaccines (07:15) – Key Takeaways From Todd Blanche's Confirmation Hearing For Attorney General (11:20) – Trump's DNI Pick Jay Clayton Won't Tell Senators If Biden Won 2020 Election (16:50) – Pete Hegseth Wants To Test Troops For Low Testosterone (23:30) – Wildfire Smoke From Canada Spreading Across Midwest And East (27:45) – Trump Reverses ICE Traffic Stop Suspension (31:00) – People in Many Countries Now View China More Positively Than the U.S.~ Pew (33:00) – How Amazon Is Turning the BookTok Boom Into Hit TV (36:30) – Jeopardy! Needs A New Writer: What The Show Is Looking For In Applicants (39:30) – On This Day In History (44:45) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Code: MONEWS – Factor - 50% off your first box | Code: monews50off – Industrious - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Code: MONEWS50 – LMNT | Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix or 12oz cans purchase – Boll & Branch – 20% off first order, plus free shipping | Code: MONEWS
Welcome to Academia Unlocked, our literary deep-dive series on Book Talk for BookTok! In this episode, we kick off our three-part series discussing The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. With over 13 years of combined academic training in literature and creative writing, we walk listeners through the foundational tools of reading beyond the surface. The book community talks about the "decline of literacy" constantly, but almost no one stops to define what literary literacy actually is or how to build it. This series exists to change that. One of the most common ways readers come to The Joy Luck Club is as an immigrant family drama, a moving novel about mothers and daughters caught between two cultures. And it is that. But Amy Tan built something more architecturally daring: sixteen interlocking stories, four mothers and four daughters, arranged around a mahjong table so the structure itself mirrors the divide it describes. This series digs into both. Whether you first read this novel because it was assigned to you, came to it through the 1993 film and never picked up the book, or only know Jing-mei Woo's name from a Google search, this series will give you the critical lens to engage with Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club with more depth, more confidence, and a lot more to say. Sponsor: VIONIC Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gnan, Mona www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart
Gnan, Mona www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart
Lesart - das Literaturmagazin (ganze Sendung) - Deutschlandfunk Kultur
Gnan, Mona www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart
Abbey and Georgie are off this week but will return on Friday the 24th of July after a much needed rest. In this episode we look back at some of our favourite moments from the past few months to keep you going. Surfing icon Layne Beachley tells us how over a decade of campaigning led to finally achieving equal pay for women. The Wiggles Simon and John joined us earlier in the year, to talk resilience as an Eels fan, fatherhood and their love of sport. Luke Bateman, former NRL star and current BookTok hearthrob shared how it was growing up in Queensland as a lover of books. And Niav Owens, friend of the pod and host of SBS' World Cup coverage, told Abbey how she dealt with 1:30am wake up calls and hosting with Harry Kewell. We'll be back soon with regular programming. Harvey Norman love sport. Supporting Australian athletes at all levels, from grassroots to the world stage for over thirty years. SHOP Furniture, Bedding, TVs, Fridges, Vacuums, Laptops, Mobiles and more instore or online! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Want more exclusive content from Dinky? Join the Patreon! Shop items from our Dink Yourself segment. We're talking with author Jaclyn Westlake! Jaclyn is a former recruiter and career advice columnist who now writes novels about funny, flawed women doing their best to find their authentic way in the world. She is the author of Dear Dotty — a finalist for the Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award — and Lucky Break, whose main character navigates grief, therapy, and the unexpected freedom of a life that didn't go according to plan. Jaclyn lives in California with her husband Brian and their chihuahua mix, Mr. Pickles. TRIPS:Christmas Markets 2026!!! GET MORE FROM DINKY:Treat yourself to new merch!Wanna connect with us on social media? You can find us on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads at @dinkypod. Follow us on YouTube.If you have a question or comment, email us at dinky@dinkypod.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dinky--5953015/support.
Welcome to the first episode of Book Club For Pet Groomers Live Reading! In this debut live book reading, Mary Oquendo sits down with Denise Heroux, an industry speaker and business owner, to launch her brand-new book, "Build it Right: The Professional Pet Grooming Business." Denise Heroux shares the journey behind creating this actionable workbook, designed not just for aspiring pet grooming business owners but for anyone looking to strengthen and reassess their business foundation. You'll hear a candid reading from chapter one, where Denise Heroux confronts the myths versus real challenges of ownership, and reveals why understanding your motivation—your "why"—is essential to building lasting success. Plus, get details on where you can get your hands on the book and what's coming up in future Book Club Live Reading episodes.
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: This Wicked Fate: "Mer-Hoes." In a rare instance of, oh my gosh we need to immediately read book 2, Laura Marie and Jessica Marie are doing just that and continuing on with poison plants in This Wicked Fate! Briseis is having a little family reunion, her auntie Circe has come back from the dead? and has a plan to reunite the Heart. Mo is depressed and catching strays, and the entire family is struggling with finding their place, their purpose, and their calling. A travel book to its core, This Wicked Fate, takes the reader on a journey to mysterious islands filled with monsters and gods that may or may not be totally helpful. The unconditional love that was so prevalent in book 1 is just as strong here, and it is a joy to witness. "To love and be loved in return." TW / CW: death of a parent For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron Mentions: This Poison Heart, *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/
Gebt mir euer FeedbackHofnarrGiaccomo liest den satirischen Klassiker:"Die roten Lichter von Amsterdam" von Ephraim KishonSupport the showMöchtet ihr mit mir Deutsch üben?Ihr könnt einfach im YouTube Kanal mitlesen!Read along in my YouTube Channel.вивчайте мову зі мною!Jedes Feedback ist willkommen...Every feedback ist appreciated.Und danke für den Support! Thanx for the support!Support my work (with a small subscription)Besucht mich unterhttps://allmylinks.com/wortschatzund mein Hörbuch unter https://www.allmylinks.com/keinenbock
A few months ago, Kayleigh Donaldson joined me to discuss Oscar predictions and other pop culture stories, and we decided to connect quarterly to discuss popular culture.We discuss the misogyny attached to Timothy Chalamet hate, a deep dive into the public post history of Club Chalamet as indicative of larger issues in fandom behavior, Madonna's new album, Lizzo's new album, and the Tartan Army.The through-line of our conversation is really fandoms, specifically changing fan and audience behavior for better or for worse, what it means, why it's happening, and maybe, how can it stop already.When two book bloggers who have been on the internet for a good while discuss pop culture, it's a very good time.You can find Kayleigh Donaldson at her website, KayleighDonaldson.com, on Bluesky, and on Pajiba.com. You can also sign up for her (excellent) newsletter, Gossip Reading Club.You can find Kayleigh on the following episodes:576. BookTok, Hockey Romance, and People as Products with Kayleigh Donaldson678. The Osmanification of Fiction Covers with Kayleigh Donaldson703. Oscars and Gossip with Kayleigh DonaldsonWe also mentioned:IG: footage of Madonna and Connor Storrie at Paris Fashion WeekWidow's BayBitch by LizzoConfessions 2 by MadonnaMy Lady JaneDo you like to listen to your favorite podcasts on YouTube?https://www.youtube.com/@SmartPodcastTrashyBooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Academia Unlocked, our literary deep-dive series on Book Talk for BookTok! In this episode, we kick off our three-part series discussing The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. With over 13 years of combined academic training in literature and creative writing, we walk listeners through the foundational tools of reading beyond the surface. The book community talks about the "decline of literacy" constantly, but almost no one stops to define what literary literacy actually is or how to build it. This series exists to change that. Whether you first read this novel in a middle school classroom, came back to it as an adult and found it completely different, or only know Esperanza Cordero's name from a syllabus you never finished, this series will give you the critical lens to engage with Sandra Cisneros's Mango Street with more depth, more confidence, and a lot more to say. Sponsor: VIONIC Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Topics covered: fantasy writing process, feminist dystopian fiction, women and motherhood, patriarchy in fiction, trans representation in books, female friendship in fiction, writing complex FMCs, book club discussion, author interview podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From testicular cancer to children's stories, book clubs and summer reads, this episode celebrates the healing power of books and community. Books can entertain us, educate us and carry us away for a few precious hours. But sometimes, they help us survive. In this edition of The Lisa Burke Show, Lisa is joined by writer, translator and lifelong bookworm Tom Weber, Mariana Mendes, founder of Between the Lines, and Maïté Ademes and Hendrik Dennemeyer from Luxembourg City Library's children's projects team. Together, they explore summer reading, Luxembourg's open-air library D'Stad liest, the magic of book clubs and the inner strength that reading can give us when life turns serious. The conversation begins with Tom Weber's courageous account of being diagnosed with testicular cancer very recently aged just 29. What began as pain and a visit to his GP rapidly became blood tests, a urologist appointment, emergency hospital care, surgery and confirmation that two tumours had been found. “Earlier this month, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. And that came a bit out of nowhere. I didn't see this coming at all,” Tom's candour is striking. The surgery went well, scans showed the cancer had not metastasised, and he is now waiting to see whether chemotherapy will be needed. But his most urgent message is clear: men and boys need to check themselves. “If you do have testicles, do a self-check once a month. And if you feel any sort of hardening, or anything that's unusual, you should immediately go to your GP.” What makes Tom's presence so moving is the way he holds fear without being consumed by it. Having previously spoken on the show about his late autism diagnosis, he explains that his philosophy is to focus on what can be done, rather than spiral into what cannot be controlled. “There's not really any point in worrying about things that you have no control over, because at that point, you're just adding to it” From there, the conversation turns naturally to reading, as a way to make sense of life and emotions. Tom read voraciously as a child, then lost that habit during depression and personal struggle in his early twenties. After his autism diagnosis, therapists encouraged him to think back to what he loved before masking and social pressure took over. The answer was obvious: books. “I always have a book in my hand now. And it cured a lot of the things.” This is where the episode opens into its wider love letter to libraries. Luxembourg City Library's D'Stad liest, meaning “the city reads”, began in 2021 during the pandemic years, when open-air cultural life became a way to gather safely. This summer, the open-air library moves to the Grund district, at Place St Ulric, where readers can settle into books and magazines from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6.30pm. Hendrik Dennemeyer and Maïté Ademes explain that the library's children's mascot, Tuffi the fox, represents their mission to foster a love of reading among children, while multilingual storytelling sessions, author readings and workshops make the library feel alive for families. “Most kids still love books,” Hendrik says, adding that comics, manga and graphic novels remain a powerful doorway into reading. Maïté highlights Saturday morning storytelling sessions, including inclusive events and a new collaboration with the Centre de Logopédie, where stories will also be translated into German sign language. Community is also at the heart of Between the Lines, the English-language book club founded by Mariana Mendes. What began four years ago as an Instagram page, shared with a few friends, has grown into monthly discussions of around 20 to 30 readers. You can follow the club at https://www.instagram.com/betweenthelines.lu/. Mariana speaks about the sensory pleasure of physical books: the touch, smell, colours, covers and bookshop browsing experience that no screen can fully replace. She also organises book swaps, where the exchange becomes personal. “People bring the books that they like and they really want someone else to read it. And maybe it's not life changing, but I think it gives you a piece of someone else.” In a world often accused of being too digital, Mariana also points out that BookTok and Bookstagram have helped make reading feel social, visible and even trendy again. Tom's summer reading list brings the episode its intellectual sweep. The Jakarta Method by Vincent Bevins takes listeners into the Indonesian massacres of 1965 and 1966 and the political shadows of the Cold War. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama becomes, in Tom's words, “like receiving a warm hug from a very dear friend”. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado explores psychological abuse in a queer relationship through an inventive literary form. Salt Houses by Hala Alyan follows a displaced Palestinian family across generations, with prose Tom describes as lyrical and deeply moving. Finally, Rob Hopkins' From What Is to What If closes the show on imagination and possibility. “If we want to create a better future for all of us, we need imagination,” That, perhaps, is the perfect ending to an episode that begins with illness and moves towards courage, community and creative life. Books do not remove pain. But they can give us language, companionship and a way to imagine what comes next. Links Between the Lines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthelines.lu/ Luxembourg City Library website: https://citybiblio.lu/ Luxembourg City Library Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetzebuergCityBibliotheque/about/ Luxembourg City Library Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letzebuerg_city_bibliotheque/ D'Stad liest events with Between the Lines: https://citybiblio.lu/event/between-the-lines--d-stad-liest-2 https://citybiblio.lu/event/between-the-lines--d-stad-liest-3 Polly Dunbar at D'Stad liest: https://citybiblio.lu/event/polly-dunbar--d-stad-liest Audrey Martin at D'Stad liest: https://citybiblio.lu/event/audrey-martin--d-stad-liest Ville de Luxembourg newsletter: https://newsletter.vdl.lu/
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: Curse of the Golden Flower: “What I do not give, you must never take by force.” If you have never heard of this movie, please go watch it now. If it's been a while since you've seen this movie, go rewatch it. If this genre is new to you, welcome you are in for a treat. Laura Marie shamelessly campaigned for this movie to make the pod and here we all are, ready to be immersed in a colorful and political world that requires your full attention. There are plots within plots between the Imperial family, an incestuous relationship here, a coup there. Oh and a youngest son. That's important. Curse of the Golden Flower is a movie that takes you by surprise, and once the plot has you, it's impossible to look away from the Empress, her medicine, and the Emperor. "Crash out." TW / CW: none to our awareness For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: Curse of the Golden Flower Mentions: This Poison Heart, Hero, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, The Great Wall, Rise of the Phoenixes, The Craft *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/
Welcome to another episode of Women Petpreneurs Presents Book Club! Join Mary Oquendo, Denise Heroux, and Sacheen Mobley as they dive into some of their favorite business books and discuss the lessons they've gained as entrepreneurs. In this episode, Mary Oquendo introduces Denise's book, "Build It Right," which breaks down fundamental aspects of running a pet industry business, from mindset and clarity, to pricing, branding, leadership, and growth. Denise Heroux shares her thoughts on "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz, a practical guide for building profit into your business from day one. The conversation continues with reflections by Sacheen Mobley on "The Millionaire Fast Lane" and other timeless business reads, highlighting the value of sustainable business practices and "unsexy" ventures that can lead to real success. Whether you're a pet industry professional or just love a great business book, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to take your business to the next level!
In this week's episode, we take a look at 5 lessons indie authors can learn from tradpub. This coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Crown of the Gods, Book #9 in the Dragonskull series, (as excellently narrated by Brad Wills) at my Payhip store: JULYCROWN The coupon code is valid through July 20, 2026. So if you need a new audiobook this summer, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 310 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is July 2nd, 2026 and today we are discussing five lessons indie authors can learn from traditional publishing. Given how negative I've been about traditional publishing over the years, that may be a bit of a surprise, but we will find out more later. We will also have a Coupon of the Week and a progress update at my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. So let's start off with Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Crown of the Gods, Book #9 of my Dragonskull series (as excellently narrated by Brad Wills) at my Payhip store. That coupon code is JULYCROWN. As always, you can get the coupon code and the links to my Payhip store in the show notes for this episode. This coupon code will be valid through July 20th, 2026, so if you need a new audiobook for your summer travels, we have got you covered. And now for an update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. I'm pleased to report that Blade of Thieves is now done and published. Once this episode goes out, you should be able to get it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Smashwords, bookshop.org, and my own Payhip store. It's starting off strong, so thank you to everyone who is reading and enjoying it. Thank you for everyone being patient while I got to it. Now that Blade of Thieves is finished, my next main project will be Cloak of Frost, the 15th book in the Cloak Mage urban fantasy novel series. I'm currently 24,000 words into that. I think the rough draft will be about 100,000 words. If all goes well, I hope to have that out in August. My new secondary project is now Blade of Visions, which of course will be the direct sequel to Blade of Thieves. As of this recording, I am 1,000 words into it. In audiobook news, Leanne Woodward has started recording Dragon-Mage and Hollis McCarthy is currently recording Cloak of Worlds, which was the 13th book in the Cloak Mage series. In a few days after this, Brad Wills is going to start recording on Blade of Thieves. So we should have a bunch of new audiobooks coming up for you to listen to before too much longer, if all goes well. So that is where I'm at with my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. 00:02:23 Main Topic of the Week: 5 Things Indie Authors Can Learn From TradPub Now onto our main topic this week, five lessons indie authors can learn from TradPub. Given how critical I have been and continue to be of traditional publishing on this blog and my podcast, this might come as a bit of a surprise and this should be in no way an endorsement for anyone to pursue traditional publishing. My blunt opinion is that if you are a new author starting out, you are much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much better served going indie instead of traditionally publishing. You will retain ownership over your IP. You will potentially be able to make more money and you won't have to deal with the various problems endemic in traditional publishing. Occasionally I see on social media a newish author trying to get an agent or being excited that an agent responded to their query letter or whatever. I don't do this because arguing with strangers on the internet is a waste of time, but I want to tell them, "Don't do this. Go indie. You'll be much happier in the long run and you won't have to worry about your agents stealing all your money," of which there have been documented cases that have happened. Now with all those caveats aside, traditional publishing has lasted for a long time. There is a reason that traditional publishing has survived so many changes and continues in many different forms to this day. And while I wouldn't recommend that you pursue traditional publishing, there are things you can learn from it to enhance your career as an indie author. So today I'm going to talk about five things you can learn from TradPub as an indie author. #1: Your book doesn't exist in a vacuum. Many authors are resistant to their book being put into categories or being paired with similar books. I've frequently noticed that aspiring and first time authors are particularly resistant to the either idea of their book best fitting into a single category or being similar to another authors. It doesn't mean that your book isn't creative or unique, it's accepting the reality of bookselling. Even in the modern indie era, books are still very much classified by a limited number of categories on book sites and ads are built on comparing your books to other authors. Focus on the category that best represents your book if it spans genres and focus extra effort on finding similar authors to help potential readers understand what type of book you are offering. For example, I had this problem with Cloak Games and Cloak Mage for a couple of years because the series is primarily an urban fantasy, but it's also set 300 years in the future. There are increasing science fiction elements in the series. The protagonist has visited several different planets and so forth, so trying to cram that all into an ad description or an ad targeting is a difficult proposition. I had better success when I started describing the series as the Dresden Files crossed with the Shadowrun RPG, which readers of it will say probably captures it quite well and then in the marketing, I always focus on the urban fantasy elements. I don't even mention the sci-fi elements because I think that's a fair representation of the book is that it's 80% urban fantasy with some sci-fi stuff in the background. So that is an example from my own books that I've done where I have emphasized the urban fantasy and contemporary fantasy aspect of Cloak Mage in the advertising and then just didn't mention the rest of the stuff in the other advertising. Traditional publishers even create the feeling of similarity with their own books by using the same artists and styles for their book covers. There was a post going around last year showing all the romance books with blue covers, cartoon figures facing each other while outside, and swooping white font. Book genres have conventions and trends in their covers. Instead of fighting that, you might want to take a time to look at the best sellers in your category to take note of what's working for other authors in your category. A book cover doesn't have to match everything about your book. It just has to give people a quick impression of what the book is about so it makes sense and doesn't confuse people and gives them something that is least in line with genre expectations. My rule of thumb for book covers is always that it should, in a space of two seconds of looking at a book cover, it should tell you the title of the book, the author of the book, and the genre of the book and it should do this all in an aesthetically pleasing and attractive matter. Those are essentially the four rules for a successful book cover, that you look at it and you can within two seconds know the title, the author, the genre, and it's presented in aesthetically pleasing and attractive manner. So to get a good book cover for your category, it would be a good idea to look at the other books in your category and see if you can find a design that while it doesn't copy the other designs, nonetheless follows some of the same design rules. #2: Timing matters. Traditional publishing is largely based on three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. By building the release schedule this way, it offers reliability for booksellers and libraries and each season has a general theme that makes it easier to market new releases. For example, fall has a lot of prestige literary fiction titles while summer might focus more on beach reads and SATs study guides. Indie publishing isn't beholden to this type of thinking about scheduling book releases, but it's smart to learn from what has worked for traditional publishing over the last couple centuries. Book sales in the US are generally a little softer in January and the summer and peak around the winter gift giving season. Thrillers often get published in September and October so they can get the "spooky season" boost from people looking for Halloween adjacent reads. It makes sense to look at the rhythm of what has been working for bookselling in your genre and see if there's a time that is especially advantageous for you to put out your book where you're just starting out and don't have very much in the way of your own sales data yet. For myself, I found what indie authors really need to watch out for is holidays. Publishing a book the day before Christmas or the day after Christmas is not a good idea. One of the reasons I didn't rush to get Blade of Thieves out the last week of June is because a lot of people will be taking the last week of June off because it leads right into the 4th of July holiday, which is why Blade of Thieves came out after 4th of July. I'd say the weakest times in my experience for indie authors are generally on November, December (because of the late Christmas), and then August and September also tend to be fairly weak because that is back to school time, which is very often very expensive and a financial strain for many people, in addition to their time and energy being focused on things other than recreational reading. Also, I've been doing this long enough to say this with some authority is that presidential election years, especially in the run up to the election are always pretty weak times in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024, especially 2024. I did notice a dip in sales as we approached the election and the general intensity of the campaigning and the ads and everything picked up. I've come to realize that a significant portion of the reading public, especially in the United States, also overlaps with the very politically involved public. I mean, it's not a perfect Venn Diagram, but there is significant overlap. So as the election season heats up, you can expect to see a drop in sales. I honestly wonder if traditional publishing has that as well. I would look into that at some point. So I'd say for an indie author, be mindful of holidays and don't be alarmed if you see a sales dip before and during the holidays and it might be a good idea if you have a big release to wait until after the holiday to push it. Tip #3: If it's a product, make it a good one. Another thing that many authors reject is the notion that their book is a product to be sold and not just a piece of art. Publishing isn't shy about thinking of their books as products with units just like a can of beans on a shelf and when you're shipping hundreds of thousands of books across the world, the general process isn't all that different (with the possible exception that books are generally quite heavy). When you remove some of that emotional attachment to a book and think of it as a product, it becomes a little easier to work with. And what do I mean by that? It's much easier to tear a book apart in editing, change the cover, fix the blurb, and make ads by thinking of the book as a product that exists next to similar products instead of a special and unique masterpiece. If your book is a product, then make it a good one. Take the time to improve it and look at it from an outsider's perspective. Seek feedback, just like TradPub does through the use of advanced reader copies. Tip #4: Deadlines work. One thing traditionally published authors usually have that indie authors do not is a deadline. The TradPub book is set to be released on a specific date and missing the deadline is a pretty efficient way to get your publisher upset with you as a TradPub writer since that release date has likely been publicized and changing release dates could impact how your book sells against other books. The problem with not having a set deadline for finishing a book is that many indie authors fall prey to waiting for inspiration or letting themselves get into the habit of undisciplined work time. They let, as I often say, the perfect to be the enemy of the possible, or just as importantly, the finished. Some people need an external deadline and pressure from other people in order to work for any meaningful amount of time. It's best to know yourself and if you're the kind of person who needs some structure to work well, to find a way to put that structure and those deadlines into your work as a writer. You can try making deadlines and sharing them with someone else in a form of accountability buddy or making a set of rewards based on making your own deadlines. Plotting out your release schedule at the beginning of another year is a way of doing this. Tip #5: Paper books still matter. A surprising area of opportunity for TradPub has been print books. For some categories like children's books or cookbooks, ebooks have never been the driving force and the demand for physical copies over ebooks has remained fairly consistent. Some of the trend of readers wanting more print books started in the COVID era when people were spending entire days on Zoom meetings and staring at computer screens for work or school and needed a break from their screens in their leisure time. Bookstagram and BookTok have also driven this print trend. These influencers typically use physical books in their photos and videos and they are often arranged in various athletically pleasing ways. Publishers responded with a slew of special and exclusive print editions for this market and existing fans of the series. They often have sprayed edges or color illustrations and are so prized by collectors that some have the [sprayed edges] on the books facing out in their bookshelves or books on stands to display certain interior illustrations. Traditional publishing did not give up on print and neither should you as an indie author. Most of your income as an indie author is probably going to come from some form of ebooks, but print should not be overlooked. Some categories do better than others in the print format, but many readers will want the print version of a favorite book they have already read as an ebook or just prefer print as their preferred reading format. Fortunately, the days of having to buy a large amount of print books and keep them in your garage has passed for indie authors. Many companies, including Amazon, Ingram Spark, and Draft2Digital offer print on demand services for indie authors so you don't have to spend a large sum of money printing your own books. It's worth investigating how the print on demand format might work for you as an indie author. One thing I should also mention is that if you write nonfiction, it's also a very good idea to have a print edition because for certain kinds of nonfiction books, the reader will keep the nonfiction book and reference it again and again and keep it for years as opposed to a fiction book where the reader might read it once and be done with it and if it's not their favorite book, they might not need a print edition. My Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide is also available in print and is my overall bestselling print book because it's essentially a tutorial for learning the basics of the Linux command line and it makes sense therefore that people would want the physical copy as a quick reference when doing things in the Linux command line. In conclusion, there's no point in throwing out the centuries of experience that traditional publishers have in selling books. Although the publishing industry continues to change (and although I still think you're better off self-publishing than pursuing a TradPub deal), it's wise to look at things that are working there and adapt them to suit your needs (although once again, I still think you're better off self-publishing). So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your view on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and we'll see you all next week.
"With the empire on the brink of war, Connor Balcazar never expected to have a destiny. Though his family has served the galactic empire for generations, his older brother Adam has always outshone him in combat abilities and natural charisma. But Connor is determined to prove himself and master his hidden ability to see the future to assist Emperor Esteban any way he can." In this episode, Terrance sits down with RD Moreno, author of the Zada-5 science fiction series. Rick shares how the pandemic and the Dune movie re-release inspired him to write his first 640-page space opera in just six months. The conversation also covers practical advice for aspiring authors, including tips for book fairs and Comic-Cons, the reality of indie publishing versus traditional routes, navigating the BookTok community on TikTok, and why social media presence has become crucial for modern authors. Whether you're a sci-fi fan, aspiring writer, or curious about the indie publishing world, this episode offers inspiration and insider insights into the creative process. Order Zada 5 - https://a.co/d/04mdk3hS Order my medieval swashbuckler, Thorn https://a.co/d/04i4kDUi Order my crime adventure, Diamonds in Denver https://a.co/d/aHi7p9z Order my 1920's Aviator novella, Unwanted Passenger https://a.co/d/5FVQJWU Order my pulp treasure hunt novel, One Man's Treasure https://a.co/d/i19YMn7 Follow Rick: https://www.rdmorenoauthor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/R-D-Moreno-Author-61559290987788/ https://www.instagram.com/rdmorenoauthor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rdmorenoauthor Follow The Show! https://terrancelayhew.com/suitup/ https://www.instagram.com/suitup.author https://www.facebook.com/tlayhew https://suitupwith.substack.com/
Welcome to Academia Unlocked, our literary deep-dive series on Book Talk for BookTok! In this episode, we kick off our three-part series discussing The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. With over 13 years of combined academic training in literature and creative writing, we walk listeners through the foundational tools of reading beyond the surface. The book community talks about the "decline of literacy" constantly, but almost no one stops to define what literary literacy actually is or how to build it. This series exists to change that. One of the most common ways readers come to The House on Mango Street is as a coming-of-age story, a slim, lyrical novel about a girl named Esperanza growing up in a Chicago barrio. And it is that. But Sandra Cisneros was doing something far more precise on the page: building a novel out of vignettes, each fragmented story complete on its own and devastating in accumulation, to capture a girlhood caught between the house she wants to escape and the house she can't stop carrying inside her. This series is about making space for both of those readings at once. Whether you first read this novel in a middle school classroom, came back to it as an adult and found it completely different, or only know Esperanza Cordero's name from a syllabus you never finished, this series will give you the critical lens to engage with Sandra Cisneros's Mango Street with more depth, more confidence, and a lot more to say. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Obsessed Fest was truly a fangirl's dream, and this week on Previously On This Week, Jillian is recapping everything that went down at Prime Video's massive fan event. From buying a ticket before the lineup was even announced to somehow ending up in rooms with the casts of Off Campus, Every Year After, The Love Hypothesis, Your Fault London, Maxton Hall, Elle, Overcompensating, and more, this episode is all about the panels, the tea, the chemistry, and the moments that had the crowd spiraling.Jillian breaks down the Love Hypothesis panel with Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, why the teaser already has her convinced the movie is going to deliver, and how the fake dating of it all finally made her understand the hype. She also gets into Louisa Levy's Off Campus talk, including season 2 teases, the importance of music and needle drops, Hannah's continuing journey, and why the show feels so special as an ensemble.Plus, we're talking Elle Woods prequel thoughts, The Devil's Mouth bringing Lana Condor and Gavin Casalegno together in the Jenny Han universe, Every Year After season 2 news, the infamous ice cream scene discourse, and the Book Boyfriends panel that brought together Damian Hardung, Matthew Broome, Matt Cornett, and Michael Bradway for red flags, green flags, and a whole lot of yearning.And of course, we have to discuss the main event: the Off Campus cast taking over Obsessed Fest, the crowd going feral over Stephen Kalyn's Verizon ad, JLo somehow opening for the panel, and why this cast might just be one of the most exciting teen drama ensembles we've had in years.If you love Off Campus, Every Year After, The Love Hypothesis, Your Fault London, Maxton Hall, Prime Video romances, fictional men, book adaptations, and chaotic fangirl energy, this episode is for you.00:00 Intro to pod00:29 Prime Video Obsessed Fest02:34 Overcompensating03:53 The Love Hypothesis08:52 Louisa Levy on Off Campus15:19 Elle19:32 The Devil's Mouth21:26 Every Year After24:39 Book Boyfriends30:47 Off Campus castThank you to Matt Buechele (@mattbooshell) for creating our new theme song. You can listen to "Sunscreen" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gFHHF3QyQxjbbKXV3qLu9Buy our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PreviouslyOnTeenTVFollow Previously On Teen TV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/previouslyon_teentv/Follow Previously On Teen TV on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@previouslyon_teentvSubscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2lgvvZGKMrQ8v24FmDdWQ?sub_confirmation=1
Ana Huang spent years living a double life: international relations scholar, Georgetown grad, geopolitical consultant by day, and secret romance novelist by night. She quietly uploaded chapters to Wattpad under a pen name no one in her life knew, and kept writing even as she built a conventional career that would make her immigrant parents proud. On this episode of She Pivots, Ana shares how COVID cracked her life open, how she taught herself TikTok before BookTok was even a thing, and how she built a community of millions one chapter at a time, all while still clocking in at her day job. She talks about the moment she finally told her family the truth, why she said no to major publishers when Twisted Love blew up, and what it means to bet on yourself. Her Twisted series has now sold over 25 million copies, been translated into 34 languages, and is headed to Netflix—and her new book, King of Gluttony, is out now. You can keep up with Ana Huang on her website anahuang.com, as well as on Instagram and TikTok @authoranahuang. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to She Pivots 00:28 - Double Life to Literary Sensation 01:58 - Ana's Childhood and Cultural Identity 05:55 - Early Career and Secret Writing 12:14 - Rediscovering Writing During the Pandemic 13:38 - The Romance Genre and TikTok Success 24:24 - Self-Publishing and Traditional Offers 27:22 - Navigating Fame and Fan Expectations 31:16 - King of Gluttony and Future Plans 33:03 - From Low Point to Launch 34:51 - What Does Success Look Like Now? 36:32 - Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 37:24 - Reflections on Ana's Writing Evolution 38:11 - Podcast Credits Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iHeart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nicole Abea, Director of Influencer & UGC Promotions at Hopeless Records.Over the last decade, Nicole has helped evolve Hopeless Records' marketing strategy from traditional social media campaigns to modern influencer marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and TikTok-driven discovery. Starting as an intern and rising to lead influencer and UGC promotions, Nicole has worked with artists including Scene Queen, THXSoMCH, Neck Deep, Melrose Avenue, Autumn Kings, and more.Nicole pulls back the curtain on how music marketing actually works in 2026. They discuss influencer campaigns, fan accounts, micro-budget marketing strategies, TikTok trends, BookTok, DSP pitching, and how artists can build communities that translate into real fandom.Follow Nicole Abea:https://www.instagram.com/nicolethedesigner/https://www.instagram.com/hopelessrecords/Check out Ari's Take:https://aristake.com03:57 Nicole Abea on Influencer & UGC Marketing at Hopeless Records08:44 The Reality of TikTok Seeding, Fan Accounts & Music Promotion15:20 How to Market a Song with a $2,000 Budget18:25 BookTok, Online Communities & Finding Your Audience23:29 What Spotify and DSPs Want from Artists26:26 Why Record Labels Are Signing Influencers33:21 Scene Over Genre: How Modern Fandom Has Changed42:41 How All Time Low's “Dear Maria, Count Me In” Went Viral Again45:22 Rage Bait, Algorithms & The Future of Music Marketing51:00 Closing ThoughtsEdited and mixed by Ruben ZarateMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari's TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are currently surviving, not thriving, before we dive into Sarah J Maas' House of Flame and Shadow. This means we're discussing other book-ish topics while we prepare our analysis, and discuss topics that bring us joy. And today, that's Carmilla. Before Dracula. Before Edward Cullen. Before TikTok's favorite romantasy vampire boyfriends — there was Carmilla. In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, Jac and Amy dig into Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 gothic novella Carmilla, the original sapphic vampire story that predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 26 years and quietly shaped the entire vampire literature genre as we know it today. We're talking queer literature history, gothic horror, lesbian vampire tropes, and how Carmilla laid the groundwork for everything from Interview with the Vampire to modern romantasy. If you love book podcasts, literary analysis, classic literature deep dives, or you're a romantasy reader curious where your favorite vampire tropes actually came from — this episode is for you. Carmilla isn't just an early entry in vampire fiction — it's foundational queer literature. Long before "sapphic fiction" was a BookTok shelf category, Le Fanu was writing one of the first literary depictions of female desire between women, wrapped in gothic atmosphere and horror. Understanding Carmilla means understanding where so many of our favorite tropes — the seductive vampire, the blurred line between desire and danger, the slow-burn obsession — actually come from. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Our last episode of Season 4! What better way to say until next time than with the film 27 Dresses?! Our faces were hurting for days following this recording for all the laughter. On this episode you will hear strong opinions on the bouquet toss, analog living, and a particularly important safe word. We hope you have enjoyed Season 4 of the Tongue In Cheek Podcast.Head over to our socials and let us know what you would like to hear during Season 5. August is just a short 6 weeks away. Until next time....Send us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: This Posion Heart: "Unconditional love." A girl from Brooklyn has a secret. A family from Rhinebeck, New York might have some answers. Briseis is 16 and plants love her. Really love her. So much so that it's distracting from school, friends, and internships. She just needs some room to stretch, so when a lawyer tells her she's inherited an estate in upper New York with 40 acres, Briseis and her moms go to see what's what. A story about family, This Poison Heart, takes the reader on a journey through the centuries and asks how deep the roots of family really go. TW / CW: none to our awareness For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron Mentions: Shadowhunters, Bitten, Pretty Little Liars, Practical Magic, Pride and Prejudice *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/
Welcome to another lively installment of Women Petpreneurs Presents Book Club Presents Book Club! This week, co-hosts Sacheen Mobley, Mary Oquendo, and Denise Heroux dive deep into the world of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series—a long-running favorite for both mystery and paranormal fans. Join us as Denise, new to this urban fantasy classic, shares her first impressions of Storm Front, while seasoned readers reminisce about their journeys through the ever-expanding saga. The conversation spans the challenges and delights of long book series, the nuances of character development (even when protagonists can be a bit insufferable), and the trials of adapting beloved stories to the screen. Whether you're a diehard Dresden fan or curious about starting your own reading adventure, this episode offers laughs, critiques, and plenty of bookish banter.
Este episodio está más spicy que los Dark Romances que recomiendan en Tik Tok. Esta semana no se salva nadie, venimos más problemáticos que Jay Fonseca y con más ganas de incomodar que Gallo The Producer. Disfruten.
Romance novels have become one of Canada's fastest-growing publishing genres, with print sales soaring, ebook readership growing, and dedicated romance bookstores opening across the country, raising questions about what's fueling the boom. Amy Lea, author of romantic comedies including "The Bodyguard Affair," joins Jeyan to discuss how shifting reader tastes have created new opportunities for Canadian voices in romance and why she now feels more confident setting stories closer to home. Then, Kaitlynd Carmichael of Indigo Canada and Kearston Bergeron, co-owner of Toronto's Hopeless Romantic Books, explore the factors behind romance's rapid rise and what its growing popularity reveals about today's readers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
⚠️ Content WarningThis episode contains open discussions about gambling addiction, alcohol and drug use, domestic violence and suicide. Please take care of yourself first. If you're not in the right headspace, come back to this one when you're ready. There is no rush.If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7) or visit lifeline.org.auThis week I sat down with Luke Bateman, and this was one of those chats that covered so much ground I genuinely didn't want it to end.Luke played 71 NRL games for the Canberra Raiders before injury and his own mental health forced him to step away from the game. What most people don't know is that behind the footy career, Luke was fighting a serious gambling addiction that ended up costing him around $500,000 over four years, alongside struggles with alcohol and drugs. He's been incredibly open about how that addiction took hold, what it cost him, and what it actually took to get out the other side.We also got into something Luke is really passionate about right now. Ahead of State of Origin Games 2 and 3, Luke is using his platform to call out the link between alcohol, masculinity and violence, with research showing a 40% rise in domestic violence incidents on State of Origin nights. We talk about why he believes alcohol and gambling advertising in sport needs the same scrutiny we've seen applied to tobacco, and why this conversation matters so much to him.And then there's the part of Luke's story that surprised everyone. From hiding fantasy novels in the toilet as a tough country kid playing first grade footy, to becoming one of the biggest names on BookTok and signing a two-book fantasy series deal with Atria Books. It's a brilliant reminder that it's never too late to embrace who you really are.This one covers addiction, advocacy, masculinity and reinvention. Luke is honest, switched on, and using his voice for something that really matters.In this episode we cover:Luke's journey through the NRL with the Canberra RaidersThe gambling addiction that cost him around $500,000 over four yearsHis struggles with alcohol and drug use during his playing careerWhat recovery actually looked like for himThe culture in elite sport around gambling and drinkingThe link between alcohol, masculinity and domestic violenceThe 40% rise in family violence incidents during State of OriginCalls to tighten alcohol advertising regulation, similar to gambling and tobaccoHiding his love of fantasy novels as a kid on a cattle propertyBecoming a BookTok sensation and signing his Atria Books dealWhy storytelling and reading matter for boys and menThe numbers behind this conversation:Alcohol is involved in up to 47% of all police-reported family violence incidents47% of women sexually assaulted by a man in the past decade said alcohol or another substance contributed to the most recent incidentResearch shows a 40% increase in violence towards women and children in NSW on State of Origin game nightsState of Origin Game 3 — Wed 8th JulyIf this episode brought something up for you:
Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda wrap up their coverage of "Dire Bound," book 1 in the Wolves of Ruin series by Sable Sorensen. The book definitely had some twists and turns that they didn't see coming, but it also felt like something they had read before. So, what were their final thoughts on it? Listen now and find out! Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
1. HEART OF THE MATTER 1A. Record-Breaking Missionary Numbers — Pres. Oaks at New Mission Leader Seminar At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders (June 18–21, Provo MTC), President Dallin H. Oaks announced that the Church will soon have the largest number of full-time missionaries in its history, surpassing the current 87,000+ serving worldwide. The surge is driven by the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries (following the November policy change lowering the minimum age from 19) and the addition of 55 new missions in July, bringing the global total to 506. President Oaks outlined three characteristics defining the restored Church: (1) the fulness of doctrine (including eternal marriage between a man and a woman); (2) priesthood authority and keys; and (3) a unique testimony of Christ grounded in modern revelation and the First Vision. Sister Kristin Oaks also spoke, sharing six core truths missionaries teach. Source: Church Newsroom, June 20, 2026 Note: Strong potential for discussion on what ‘only true and living church’ means in a pluralistic world — Richie angle? 1B. New Hymn ‘Welcome Home’ — The Story Behind It Composer Andrea Brett explains how a 2017 encounter with Demetrius O’Neal — a recent convert serving as a greeter at a Spokane ward on a snowy Sunday morning — inspired her hymn ‘Welcome Home,’ now published in the new Hymns for Home and Church. Brett submitted 10 pieces when the global hymnbook was announced in 2018; this was the only one she’d written before the call. She received confirmation of its selection in February 2025, then had a full-circle moment when she and O’Neal sat near each other at the April 2025 General Conference as the Tabernacle Choir performed it. O’Neal’s name appears in the hymn’s tune name as a tribute. The hymn is now translated and sung globally. Source: Church Newsroom / Richie’s document 1C. Family History Records Are a ‘Sacred Thread’ — Elder Bragg at International Archivists Congress Elder Mark A. Bragg, General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church’s Family History Department and FamilySearch International, was a keynote speaker at the III Congress of Archivists: Digital Archive Expo (DA-EXPO), held June 8–12 in Astana, Kazakhstan. He called family history records ‘the thin but sacred thread’ tying people together across generations, and argued that records are ‘in a very real sense, witnesses.’ Elder Bragg framed the digital revolution in genealogy in moral terms: for most of history, access to records was shaped by ‘proximity, resources and specialized knowledge,’ but today a record created in one place can be preserved in another, indexed in a third, and discovered by someone on the other side of the world. ‘The reach is astonishing. The speed is breathtaking. The possibilities are almost beyond measure.’ He also said that ‘access is an act of kindness’ — records only fulfill their divine purpose when they are found, understood, and used. His core message: preserving memory is an act of hope. ‘It says that the past is not dead to us and that the future deserves more than fragments.’ Source: Church News, June 17, 2026 Angle: Great ‘quiet but meaningful’ story — LDS family history going global and leveling the playing field for genealogy worldwide. 1D. America Gives — All 50 States Receive Food Donations The Church completed a milestone in its ‘America Gives’ initiative by delivering a shipping container of food to Hilo, Hawaii — marking all 50 states reached. The initiative aims to deliver 250 truckloads of food nationwide in 2026 to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary. In Hawaii, the food went to The Food Basket, distributed to 10 local nonprofits. Notably, 42% of residents on the island of Hawaii face food insecurity — the state’s highest rate. Rosie Rios, chair of America 250 and former U.S. Treasurer, praised the milestone. Local Methodist pastor Ted Lesnett said recipients will know ‘when they were hungry, someone cared.’ Source: Church Newsroom / Richie’s document 1E. Church Donates $250,000 NZD to Christchurch Anglican Cathedral Rebuild The Church announced a NZ$250,000 donation (June 19, 2026) toward the restoration of Christchurch’s iconic Anglican Cathedral — damaged in the February 2011 earthquake. Elder Peter F. Meurs (Pacific Area President) and Anglican Bishop Peter Carrell presided at the announcement. The donation comes as the project faces a $45M funding shortfall and an overall $219M budget. The Christchurch City Council has offered $15M contingent on government and Anglican Church matches. Notably, a New Zealand Buddhist community made a similar gift in 2023 — the LDS donation continues a cross-faith pattern of support for the heritage project. Source: Richie’s document Angle: Rare and heartwarming — LDS funds an Anglican cathedral. Good interfaith story. 1F. Central America Humanitarian Blitz — 5 Projects, 500,000+ People In late May and early June 2026, the Church announced five humanitarian projects across Central America (with Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, representing the Church). Projects include: the ‘Windows of Light’ eyecare program in El Salvador (350,000+ screenings to date); safe water access for 250,000+ in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (with UNICEF); nearly 750 computers/tablets donated to 66 educational institutions in Guatemala; and medical equipment for the ‘La Mascota’ children’s hospital in Nicaragua. Source: Church Newsroom, June 2026 2. FAITH & DOCTRINE 2A. President Christofferson in Philadelphia & Toronto A busy week of ministry for President D. Todd Christofferson: He offered the invocation at Becket’s Canterbury Medal Gala in Philadelphia (multifaith event celebrating religious liberty), alongside Elder Gary E. Stevenson and others. The group also visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall — fitting, ahead of America’s 250th. Christofferson reflected on D&C 101 and the Constitution’s purpose to protect ‘all flesh.’ From Philadelphia, he and Sister Christofferson traveled to Toronto, meeting 250+ missionaries in the Canada Toronto Mission weeks before it divides into three missions (Toronto West, Toronto East, and Montreal). He also spoke to hundreds of LDS youth, with one — Amelia Fischer — saying ‘no amount of words can describe how I felt tonight.’ Source: Richie’s document / Church Newsroom 2B. BYU Scholar Study: Religion Adds 7.6 Years to Life The BYU Wheatley Institute is releasing three reports analyzing 3,000 of the most scientifically rigorous studies (culled from 60,000+ papers by Duke University) on religion and health. Key findings: 33/34 studies show improved social health; 10/11 show improved mental health; 7/8 show improved physical health. Regular worshippers live an average of 7.6 years longer (up to 13.7 years longer for African Americans). A ‘landmark finding’: 256 studies show religion prevents/aids recovery from substance abuse (vs. 6 showing negative impact). Author Loren Marks recommends public health frameworks treat religious involvement like exercise recommendations. Source: Richie’s document 2C. Elder Soares Testifies in the Philippines Elder Ulisses Soares completed a two-week ministry in the Philippines (mid-May 2026), meeting with 600+ young single adults in Cebu, 450+ in Quezon City, and 340+ missionaries at the Philippines MTC. His recurring message: ‘His arms are extended to all of us.’ The Philippines has more than 905,000 Latter-day Saints — the Church’s fourth-largest national membership. Two new temples were also dedicated in the Philippines this month: the Davao Philippines Temple (Elder Renlund, May 3) and the Bacolod Philippines Temple (Elder Andersen, May 31). Source: Church Newsroom, June 17, 2026 3. CULTURE & CURIOSITIES 3A. LDS Author in Everyman’s Library — A First BYU biology and bioethics professor Steven L. Peck has reportedly become the first Latter-day Saint author included in the prestigious Everyman’s Library series (publishing canonical English fiction since 1906). His 2012 novella A Short Stay in Hell — a philosophical horror story about a Mormon man condemned to an afterlife library containing every possible book — went viral on BookTok and found a new audience. A literature historian noted: ‘No Mormon or Mormon-adjacent writer that I know of has ever been featured in this prestigious series.’ The Salt Lake Tribune covered the story, noting the irony that a theological horror story marks one of the most significant moments in LDS literary history. Source: Salt Lake Tribune / Richie’s document 3B. The Sasine Family — 40 Countries Before Age 1 Keith and Chelsea Sasine, an LDS couple stationed in Germany (Keith is an Army oral surgeon), made history in November 2025 by taking their youngest daughter Mia to 40 countries before her first birthday (March–November 2025), using a Honda Odyssey for European road trips. The family of six (including Izzy, 10; Abby, 9; and John, 4) attends local wards wherever they travel — a faith anchor the couple says strengthened their testimony and taught their kids the importance of the Sabbath globally. They’re planning a move to Colorado Springs in 2026. Source: Richie’s document 3C. Jen Affleck (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) Expecting Baby #4 Jen Affleck, 27-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Dancing with the Stars alum, announced June 18 that she and husband Zac Affleck are expecting their fourth child. She shared the news on Instagram captioned ‘Chapter Four.
We are incredibly fortunate to have author Sheila Masterson join us on the podcast to discuss her latest romantasy novel The Poison Daughter. This book has it all. Arranged marriage, wedding rituals that illustrate the importance of communication "show me", and let us not forget...the ability to still speak your safe word when tiny undergarments are in your mouth.Sheila has written a story that speaks to deep realities we face in relationships. Whether it is the family we are born into or one we create. Everyone lies. The body and mind can withstand more than it ever should have to for one person.The story of Harlow invites you to explore surviving at any cost. Sheila gives us insights into her own journey of suffering with migraines. The power of women righting others wrongs...even if it is with a deadly kiss. We could not be more grateful for the time spent in conversation with a talented author such as Sheila Masterson.*spoilers aheadSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media
BookTok helped readers find community online. Now, some fans are taking that connection into the real world through literary tourism. USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins The Excerpt to talk about joining a Percy Jackson-inspired trip through Cairo, Athens and Rome, where readers visited ancient sites, completed quests and bonded over the books that shaped them. She also explains why literary tourism is growing, what readers are really paying for and how book lovers can build their own story-inspired experiences closer to home.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
ACOFAE Podcast Presents: Atmosphere: Jessica's Choice! It's Jessica Marie's half birthday and here on ACOFAE that means that she gets to choose a piece of media to cover that maybe ACOFAE wouldn't normally cover. Her choice this year is "Atmosphere: A Love Story" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. A story about space, about women, about relationships, and about what happens when you finally accept all the parts of yourself that you've discovered along the way. Laura Marie actually chose this book out of a list of options that Jessica Marie suggested, and she has strong feelings about rule following. No, really! Rules are important in SPACE! They are there for a reason! TW / CW: homophobia, toxic sibling relationships For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Perfect Storm, For All Mankind Mentions: Heated Rivalry, Project Hail Mary, Cricket with a K, Outlander, Daisy Jones and the Six, House of the Dragon, The Man in the High Castle, Stargate Atlantis, Gravity, The Expanse *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5-star review and follow us on Instagram at @ACOFAEpodcast and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie ( https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica) Instagram: @ACOFAEpodcast https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/ @ACOFAELaura https://www.instagram.com/acofaelaura/ "Jail, immediately jail."
After our viral banned baby names debate took over TikTok, Lauren Edwards is back for the season finale and things get even more unhinged.This week we're diving into the world's weirdest banned baby names, from Burger King and Batman to Mini Cooper, FIFA and Fish & Chips. We also discuss Etsy witches, tarot readings, fan edit culture, Off Campus obsession, situationships, dating disasters and the Irish man who asked me to become his “dirty little secret”.Lauren shares stories from her acting career, we unpack the funniest tradie nicknames ever invented, and I reveal the brutal conversation that finally ended my 18-month situationship.If you've ever wondered whether you can legally name your child Metallica, why men refuse to go to the doctor, or what happens when a situationship meets its inevitable demise, this episode is for you.Topics include:Banned baby names around the worldViral TikTok storiesChild-free life updatesSituationships and modern datingRed flags, relationships and rejectionTradie humour and workplace nicknamesFan edits, BookTok and Off CampusAstrology, tarot cards and Etsy witchesWhy Australian baby names are getting increasingly cursedSubscribe for new episodes of Mads World exploring dating, relationships, feminism, sexuality, love, life and internet chaos with unhinged strangers from the internet.
My guest this episode is Annabel Youens, a novelist who left a long career in tech to return to her first love: writing fiction. Her work explores midlife reinvention, creativity, nature, and the courage it takes to stop putting off the life you meant to live. She also brings a business founder's discipline to indie publishing, treating authorship not just as a creative act but as a serious enterprise. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy is an author, developmental editor, and writing coach with a long career in journalism and publishing. He works with writers at many stages of their careers, with a focus on helping them develop their ideas and strengthen their work while preserving their unique voices. He lives in Northern Michigan. About the Guest Annabel Youens writes mythic fiction where the change is the magic. Thread Traveller—a Kirkus Best Indie Book of 2025 and a 2026 CANREADS Award finalist—is her debut novel, written at forty-seven after twenty years of building tech companies. She was employee number eleven at Abebooks.com and co-founded two global startups before returning to her first love: storytelling. She lives on Vancouver Island and writes a Substack called Saved by the Spell on midlife, motherhood, and mushrooms. Find her at annabelyouens.com and on BookTok.
Amazon's wildly popular "Off Campus" is just the latest in a parade of BookTok-beloved titles to gain new fans as streaming shows, and the pairing of explicit sex and non-toxic masculinity means these aren't your mom's rom-coms. And as fans react to Phoebe Bridgers' announcement of a phone-free arena tour this summer, Audie and Ari debate the merits of locking away devices for live events. Plus, "Wild Card" host Rachel Martin is over menopause-friendly salmon recipes in her feeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The biggest stories on the internet from June 19th, 2026.Please consider buying us a coffee or subscribing to a membership to help keep Centennial World's weekly podcasts going! Every single dollar goes back into this business
Bestselling author Carley Fortune joins Jenna to discuss her unexpected path from journalism to writing Every Summer After and some of the most talked-about books of the decade. Carley shares how place, nostalgia and great love stories shape her books. She also opens up about upcoming screen adaptations, romance tropes, BookTok, mental health and why it's never too late to rediscover your passion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Let’s dive into the BookTok discourse, shall we? Specifically, how algorithms work and why dismissing the community tends to say more about the dismisser than the community. Then debut romance novelist (and longtime cookbook author) Julia Turshen joins to talk about her 831 Stories novella Down to Earth, why food is the fastest way to put a reader in a room, the formula that cookbooks and romance novels quietly share, and what it means to write competency porn about a lesbian farmer without realizing that's what you're doing. And: Sanjana and Tyler each pitch a queer romance recommendation…and somehow both pick historicals. On BookTok: why thinking of it as a monolith is lazy, how algorithms reflect what you engage with (and not objective taste), and the misogyny baked into most think pieces about genre fiction. Julia Turshen is the author of numerous cookbooks including Small Victories and Simply Julia, and her debut sapphic romance, Down to Earth, is out this month from 831 Stories. Referenced: “I Found It: The Best Free Restaurant Bread in America” by Caity Weaver. The queer romance recommendations: Tyler picks An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera, and Sanjana picks The Companion by E.E. Ottoman. Honorable mentions: You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi and The Pairing by Casey McQuiston. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Academia Unlocked, our literary deep-dive series on Book Talk for BookTok! In this episode, we kick off our three-part series discussing Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice With over 13 years of combined academic training in literature and creative writing, we walk listeners through the foundational tools of reading beyond the surface. The book community talks about the "decline of literacy" constantly, but almost no one stops to define what literary literacy actually is or how to build it. This series exists to change that. One of the most common ways readers come to Interview with the Vampire is as a horror story. A man becomes a monster and spends eternity regretting it. But Anne Rice was doing something far more precise on the page: writing a confession that doubles as an elegy, for grief that couldn't be named, for love that couldn't be spoken, for a community already disappearing before the world had a word for what was taking it. This series is about making space for both of those readings at once. Whether you fell in love with Lestat on your screen, couldn't put the novel down at 2am, or only know Louis de Pointe du Lac as Brad Pitt looking beautiful and tragic, this series will give you the critical lens to engage with Anne Rice's world with more depth, more confidence, and a lot more to say. Sponsor: Go to LumiGummies.com and use code BOOKTALK for 30% off your order. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we are diving deep into the massive cultural moments dominating your feeds - from historic sports triumphs to viral travel obsessions, coastal blindspots, to the Gen Z reading revolution. ** New York State of Mind:** We break down the historic New York Knicks championship win, the viral city-wide meltdown, and how the players spent their first 48 hours celebrating. ** The World Cup & "Freddy from Germany":** America co-hosts a World Cup, and half the country didn't even know we had a soccer team. Plus, our collective obsession with European tourists—specifically Freddy from Germany—documenting their trek across the States. ** Coastal Blindspots (Buc-ee's & Country Stars):** The things coastal elites completely miss that are absolutely massive in the rest of the country. Yes, we are talking about the cult of Buc-ee's and the country music superstars filling stadiums unnoticed by Hollywood. ** To the Moon: The SpaceX IPO:** A look at the wildest memes & internet reactions the SpaceX IPO. ** BookTok Takes Prime Video:** Gen Z is still ruling the publishing world. We look at the unstoppable rise of BookTok and the massive buzz surrounding Amazon Prime's latest adaptation hit, Every Year After. Listener Note: What's your ultimate Buc-ee's snack road trip order? Are you team Beaver Nuggets or team jerky? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! This week's PCM.
Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda cover the first half of "Dire Bound," book 1 in the Wolves of Ruin series by Sable Sorensen. So many of you have been asking for this book, so our book besties delivered and they are going to give your their unfiltered opinions. So far, there seems to be a mixed reaction to the book, but you know what they all agree on: KITTEN is never a good nickname for your lover. Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Acofae Podcast Presents: SPECIAL EPISODE 27: Our new friend, Meghan Le Fay! Always and forever ready and willing to discuss dragons, ACOFAE welcomes to the podcast a very special guest, and our new friend Meghan Le Fay to discuss her new release Wings of Life! This is a SPOILER FREE EPISODE so dive into the world of dragons, hygiene, language, and red hair as ACOFAE and Megan discuss everything from initial inspiration to crafting the intricate religions of this new world. A fish out of water story that if rich with culture and miscommunication, Wings of Life asks the reader to put themselves in our heroine's shoes and ask themselves, "What would they do in this situation!?". A miscommunication and enemies to lovers romance plot guides the reader along this journey of self discovery and self worth and ends with lore for the ages!
Let's talk about… what happened after my date from last week? Did he redeem himself? or did my ick grow stronger? Are we upgrading from enemies to lovers or taking a step back towards enemies to strangers? Tune in to part 2 to find out :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.