Relationships formed on Bookstagram aren’t always linear—just like life itself. That’s especially true for Rebecca and me, but that hasn’t stopped her from being one of the most fascinating people I know. In this episode, she breaks down what makes a beta reader stand out and why critical feedback is an important part in creating our manuscripts.

We also dive into representation in female main characters, how Latin and Roman history (literally) is Rebecca’s Roman Empire, and the influence of world history on storytelling. Plus, we discuss the evolution in male dominated epic fantasy and why that matters more than ever.

Rebecca’s journey has been anything but predictable—her double STEM degree, her career pivots, and even her approach to reading (tropes? No thanks, just give her the blurb!). She shares her love of poetry, even if it’s not for everyone, and opens up about her deeply personal cancer journey. Since recording, she has officially finished chemo(!), and we reflect on what it means to face one’s own mortality.

She inspires me everyday, and I hope you take a bit of inspiration from her journey too.

Britt is the perfect example of how authors and readers can become the best of friends. In this episode, we chat about everything from chronic illness—her journey with diabetes and mine with thyroid disease—to the friendships that keep her on Bookstagram.

We dive into the world of book reviewing, why some reviewers are moving away from Goodreads, and why StoryGraph is winning readers over. Britt shares her take on navigating the Grishaverse (spoiler: Six of Crows is a must-read!), embracing a “vibes-first” approach to books, and why not every book is for every reader.

Plus, we discuss ARC teams, street teams, and what anyone new to these terms should know. And of course, Britt talks about her deep love for indie authors—because as long as they keep writing, she’ll keep reading!

You can connect with Britt on her instagram page here

Fantasy author Elle Kaelee joins us to talk about the unpredictable journey of writing—both on the page and in real life. As a working mom, she knows all about adapting, like the time she was ready to send her debut novel to an editor… only to realize she had lost everything. But when a story demands to be told, the rest—like trends—can come later.

Elle shares how she crafts multi-POV fantasy stories, the struggle of keeping characters alive, and the unexpected challenge of tropes—and her concern about attracting the wrong audience type if used incorrectly. We also discuss how she’s shifting sub genre mid series as her creativity in world building knows no bounds, and why being a pantser helps her keep track of it all.

This is another great episode for urban fantasy lovers, and if you want to check out Glass Wings, go check out Elle’s website here: https://www.ellekaelee.com/

Ever thought about creating your own language for your fictional world? Monty K. Rue breaks down the fascinating theory and application of Conlang—because yes, it’s totally possible!

Though her debut novel The Last Dragon is set to release this spring, Monty has been writing for as long as she can remember. Inspired by Skyrim and Eragon, she built an epic fantasy world—but first, she had to break the cycle of poverty before taking a chance on her writing career.

In this episode, we cover everything from dual heritage and emigration to how Monty tackled the beta reading process for The Last Dragon. Plus, we discuss her thought process on how she decided if spice was right for her book or not, and what it’s like to self-publish outside the U.S., where most fantasy book sales happen.

You can follow Monty here.

Imagine turning your love for books into a thriving career—Jourdan did just that. During the pandemic, she discovered a way to blend her passion for books, launching multiple ventures, including a book mentorship that helps indie authors strategize, value their time, and see ROI—all while keeping it affordable. Best of all? Her businesses give her the flexibility to be present for her family while doing what she loves.

We also dive into the rising demand for authenticity in content creation, the shift from Goodreads to StoryGraph, and why indie publishing is a more viable option than it ever was before. Jourdan shares her predictions for publishing trends in 2025 and beyond, giving authors insight into what’s next.

Content Warnings: Infertility discussions, grief for loss of a loved one

Spoilers: Crescent City series

You can connect with Jourdan on her Bookstagram account here.

I first heard about When the Stars Entwine with Flames from a friend, and I was instantly hooked on the concept—so having Alex on the podcast was simply meant to be.
In this episode, we dive into the magic of Romantasy—why readers can’t get enough of it and how it’s shaping the genre. Alex shares her writing journey, the challenges she’s faced, and why diversity in storytelling is more important than ever. We also break down the costs of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and, of course, the ultimate dream—going viral on BookTok.
As Harry Styles wisely said, “Treat people with kindness.” And honestly, how boring would the world be if we were all the same?
Spoiler warnings: ACOTAR, Crescent City, TOG, Fourth Wing, Phantasma.

You can follow Alex here for updates about her writing and you can follow the podcast here for news on all guests.