One month into The Literary Lounge, host Jennifer Cash opens up to share the story behind the podcast. From a childhood shaped by reading to the winding road that led her to becoming a writer, she reflects on the books, people, and experiences that shaped her life. It’s an honest and vulnerable conversation about finding purpose, rediscovering old dreams, and how a life surrounded by books ultimately led to The Literary Lounge.

In This Episode

• Jennifer’s earliest memories of becoming a reader
• The books that shaped her early childhood
• How reading became both an escape and a source of comfort during a difficult season
• The teacher who made her question her future
• Writing her first manuscript after a challenging experience abroad
• Why she left a traditional career to pursue writing
• How books led her to a literary life
• The inspiration behind The Literary Lounge
• Why she hopes The Literary Lounge becomes a place for readers and writers to gather through a shared love of story

Meet Jennifer Cash

Jennifer Cash is the creator and host of The Literary Lounge, a podcast and Substack where readers and writers gather for thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing, and living a creative life. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Jennifer is passionate about building literary community while championing independent bookstores and emerging voices. Through her work, she explores the stories behind the stories, connecting readers with authors, booksellers, publishing professionals, and literary destinations. She is also the creator of the book-focused platform @ReadwithJennifer, where she shares book recommendations, bookstore discoveries, and a love of literary travel. Jennifer lives in North Carolina.

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

STAY CONNECTED

The Literary Lounge

Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

• The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
• The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
• Recommended reads
• Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

Jennifer Cash

Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

Instagram: @readwithjennifer

What does it mean to find where you belong?

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Joanna Monahan to discuss her second novel, Welcome to Blooms, a warm, feel-good story about siblings Daisy and Bud, who must learn to work together to save their family's flower shop. Think of it as a Hallmark movie in book form!

Jennifer and Joanna discuss the inspiration behind the novel and explore themes of family expectations and belonging. Joanna also shares her own path to becoming a published author, from querying agents to finding the right home for her work with an independent press. She reflects on what she’s learned from publishing two novels, why working with a small publisher has been the right fit for her, and the importance of finding the communities that help sustain a creative life.

In This Episode

• Exploring themes of family, identity & belonging
• Joanna’s path from querying to indie publishing
• Finding the right publishing path for you
• The importance of independent bookstores
• Finding your writing & literary community
• How Joanna’s writing process has evolved
• Navigating the challenges of writing a second book
• How book coaches can support the writing process
• The unexpected realities of becoming a published author

Meet Joanna Monahan

Joanna Monahan is the author of the award-winning Something Better.
Her newest novel, Welcome to Blooms, was published in April 2026 by
Blue Ink Press.

Joanna writes contemporary Women's Fiction that is clean, cozy, and
full of humor and heart. She lives in North Carolina with her husband,
their two children, and two distracting cats. She is a member of The
Authors Guild, North Carolina Writers' Network, and the Women's
Fiction Writers Association.

When she isn’t writing, Joanna enjoys theater, baseball, and
bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she
regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for
reading books.

Connect with Joanna

www.joannamonahan.com

Instagram @joannamonahanauthor

Facebook

Pinterest

Goodreads

Purchase a copy of Welcome to Blooms

Purchase a copy of Something Better

Books & Authors Mentioned

• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• Story Genius by Lisa Cron
• Christopher Pike
• Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine
• The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
• Beverly Cleary
• Ramona series by Beverly Cleary

STAY CONNECTED

The Literary Lounge

Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

• The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
• The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
• Recommended reads
• Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

Jennifer Cash

Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

Instagram: @readwithjennifer