Debut author L.A. Rivera joins Bibliophile Breakdown to discuss Beneath a Black Flag, a romantic fantasy adventure inspired by a love of pirates, immersive storytelling, and cinematic video games like Assassin's Creed and Uncharted.

L.A. shares how she developed Kai, Rosalind, and the unforgettable cast that brings her world to life, why every character and plot point serves a purpose, and how she approaches twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. We also talk about overcoming writer's block, building compelling fantasy worlds, creating found family dynamics, and what it's like launching a debut novel as an indie author.

Whether you're a fan of romantasy, pirate adventures, fantasy world-building, or you're an aspiring writer looking for inspiration, this conversation offers an inside look at the creative process behind Beneath a Black Flag.

Follow L.A. Rivera here: https://www.instagram.com/thebookwormreadingnook/
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Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when a passionate reader and Bookstagram creator opens an independent bookstore?

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I'm joined by Katie, owner of The Freckled Page, to talk about her journey from book influencer to bookstore owner.

We dive into the realities of running an indie bookstore, how she curates the books on her shelves, the importance of supporting independent authors, and what it's really like balancing a love of reading with the demands of owning a small business.

Whether you've dreamed of opening a bookstore, love supporting indie bookshops, or simply enjoy talking books, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and plenty of bookish discussion.

Follow The Freckled Page:

📚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreckledpage/

🌐 Website: https://www.thefreckledpage.com/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What inspires the stories that keep readers turning pages—and what goes into bringing a horror community together? 📚🩸

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author Brandon Eldridge to discuss his novels, his writing process, and the inspiration behind the stories he creates.

Brandon shares insights into his journey as an author, the ideas that shape his work, and what readers can look forward to next. We also talk about ShiverCon, an upcoming horror event bringing together fans and creators on August 14–15.

Whether you’re a fan of horror, interested in the craft of writing, or looking for your next bookish event, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and community connections.

📚 Learn more about ShiverCon:
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/brandon-eldridge-presents-shiv/1691771674836255
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivercon2026/

📚 Follow Brandon Eldridge:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beldridgeauthor/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when history, belief, power, and fear collide in a story? 📚

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author Linda Hamilton to discuss her novel The Fourth Wife and the research, history, and personal exploration behind the story.

Linda shares insights into the world of Mormon polygamy, its hierarchical structures, and the cultural implications that inspired her writing. We discuss the ways historical and religious trauma can shape storytelling, how horror can be used to explore difficult subjects, and the process of transforming real-world experiences and research into fiction.

We also talk about Linda’s writing journey, the themes behind The Fourth Wife, and she may or may not give listeners a glimpse into what’s coming next. 👀

📚 Stay up to date with Linda Hamilton:
https://linktr.ee/lindahamiltonwriter

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

How do memory, love, and family shape the stories we tell ourselves? 📚

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author John Infortunio to discuss his novels Today Was Tomorrow and Destroyed by the Events of the Day.

John shares insights into his writing journey and the themes woven throughout his work, including memory, love, family secrets, and the ways the past continues to influence the present.

We talk about storytelling, the passage of time, human connection, and what it means to create characters and narratives that explore the complicated moments that define our lives.

Whether you’re drawn to literary fiction, emotional family stories, or books that make you reflect long after the final page, this conversation is for you.

📚 Follow John Infortunio:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johninfortunio/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

Can horror make us laugh while exploring the things we’re most afraid to confront? 🩸📚

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by horror author Sara van Os to discuss her novel Decomposition Book, the power of dark humor, and the creative process behind writing stories that push boundaries.

Sara shares her journey as a writer, her love for cannibalism tropes in horror, and how humor can be used to explore difficult topics, challenge expectations, and create space for more diverse voices within the genre.

We dive into horror storytelling, representation, the balance between comedy and fear, and what makes a story stick with readers long after they’ve finished the final page.

📚 Stay up to date with Sara van Os:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramcclarinet/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What goes into creating the worlds that haunt readers long after the final page? 🩸📚

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by horror author J. H. Markert for a conversation that goes far beyond what lurks in the dark.

J. H. shares his journey as a writer, from the early days of his career to becoming one of horror’s most exciting voices. We discuss his latest novel Dig, his creative process, the stories that inspire him, and get an exclusive look at his upcoming releases—including The Chain House and other projects still waiting to be revealed.

We also talk about the evolution of horror, what makes a story truly unsettling, and the passion behind creating unforgettable nightmares for readers.

A huge thank you to Suzy (@awitchandherbook) and AJ (@creepin.it.thrill) for joining as cohosts for this conversation!

📚 Stay up to date with J. H. Markert:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesmarkert74/

📚 Follow the cohosts:
Suzy: https://www.instagram.com/awitchandherbook/
AJ: https://www.instagram.com/creepin.it.thrill/

Hosted by @Mamabearbibliophile

Bibliophile Breakdown is a book podcast where we talk with authors, readers, and BookTok/Bookstagram voices about the stories that stay with us and the joy of being part of the reading community.

🎧 Listen to Bibliophile Breakdown:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vMkKv3SdZDB5tnf5t2MqP
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bibliophile-breakdown/id1879516662
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49446b7e-d43e-46bc-abaf-51ab577e9f38/bibliophile-breakdown
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamabearbibliophile

📱 Follow for more bookish content:
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New episodes featuring author interviews, book discussions, and deep dives into the reading community.

What makes horror so captivating—and why do these stories continue to evolve? 📚🩸

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I sit down with Shea, a passionate horror and thriller reader, to talk about her journey through the genre, the books that have stayed with her, and what keeps bringing readers back to darker stories.

We dive into horror subgenres, representation in horror, the changing landscape of scary stories, and how technology and society continue to influence the way we tell and experience horror.

Whether you’re a lifelong horror fan or someone looking to explore the genre for the first time, this conversation is a reminder of why horror continues to challenge, entertain, and connect readers.

📚 Follow Shea: https://www.instagram.com/mybookishcult/

Hosted by @Mamabearbibliophile

Bibliophile Breakdown is a book podcast where we talk with authors, readers, and BookTok/Bookstagram voices about the stories that stay with us and the joy of being part of the reading community.

🎧 Listen to Bibliophile Breakdown:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vMkKv3SdZDB5tnf5t2MqP
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bibliophile-breakdown/id1879516662
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49446b7e-d43e-46bc-abaf-51ab577e9f38/bibliophile-breakdown
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamabearbibliophile

📱 Follow for more bookish content:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/Mamabearbibliophile
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@Mamabearbibliophile

New episodes featuring author interviews, book discussions, and deep dives into the reading community.