In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview bestselling author Sabaa Tahir upon the release of her new fantasy novel, Heir.

Author Bio

Sabaa Tahir is a former newspaper editor who grew up in California's Mojave Desert at her family's eighteen-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, listening to thunderous indie rock, and playing guitar and piano badly. Her #1 New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes series has been translated into more than thirty-five languages, and the first book in the series was named one of TIME's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Tahir's most recent novel, All My Rage, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Printz Award, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction and Poetry.

Visit Sabaa online at SabaaTahir.com and follow her on Instagram or Twitter @SabaaTahir and TikTok @SabaaTahirAuthor.

Topics Discussed

• [2:00] Heir by Sabaa Tahir
• [4:04] Inspiration Behind Heir
• [14:15] The Writing Process
• [20:47] Becoming a Writer
• [21:41] Advice for Writers
• [29:00] Takeaways for Readers
• [33:15] Inspiration from Authors
• [36:38] Writing New Genres
• [38:30] Final Questions

Books Mentioned

• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
• A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
• Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
• All My Rage by Sabba Tahir
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
• Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
• The Maid by Nita Prose
• The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
• This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

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• Follow on Instagram @litjoycrate
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Thank you so much for watching the LitJoy Podcast! It has been an honor to bring you author interviews, bookish conversations, and more—we have loved every minute of it! While this is our last episode, we will continue to bring you all the bookish news and fun you can handle via our social media, the Lunacorns page, and, of course, with articles, interviews, and more in the LitJoy Lounge! Thank you for listening!

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In this Fun Friday Book Recommendations, Alix and Kelly ask author Chelsea Abdullah which books had the biggest impact on her life.

Topics Discussed

[0:29] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

[1:04] Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

[2:01] She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

[3:06] A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

[4:14] Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Author Bio

Chelsea Abdullah is the award-winning author of The Sandsea Trilogy, an epic fantasy series that begins with The Stardust Thief. An American-Kuwaiti writer born and raised in Kuwait, she grew up listening to stories about mysterious desert creatures and wily (only sometimes likable) heroes.

Consumed by wanderlust, she has put down roots in various states. After earning her MA in English at Duquesne University, she moved to the East Coast, where she currently lives. When not immersed in her own fictional worlds, she spends her free time playing video games, doodling characters, and hoarding books she doesn’t have the shelf space for.

What's New at LitJoy

Introducing our intricately designed and truly stunning We Hunt the Flame Special Edition Box Set!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview The Stardust Thief author Chelsea Abdullah.

Special Offer

Visit litjoycrate.com/chelsea to get 15% off Chelsea's collection using the code "LOULIE". Only valid within 48 hours of the airing of this episode!

Topics Discussed:

• [1:20] The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah https://amzn.to/47eJcfT
• [3:41] Becoming an Author and Publishing The Stardust Thief
• [12:53] The Sandsea Trilogy
• [14:45] Writing Characters
• [22:54] Bringing a Character to Life
• [32:16] Writing the First Draft
• [35:50] Chelsea's Writing Ritual
• [38:13] Fictional World to Visit
• [41:14] Fictional Character to Meet
• [48:30] Chelsea's TBR
• [50:20] Final Questions

Author Bio

Chelsea Abdullah is the award-winning author of The Sandsea Trilogy, an epic fantasy series that begins with The Stardust Thief. An American-Kuwaiti writer born and raised in Kuwait, she grew up listening to stories about mysterious desert creatures and wily (only sometimes likable) heroes.

Consumed by wanderlust, she has put down roots in various states. After earning her MA in English at Duquesne University, she moved to the East Coast, where she currently lives. When not immersed in her own fictional worlds, she spends her free time playing video games, doodling characters, and hoarding books she doesn’t have the shelf space for.

Other Resources Mentioned

• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
• The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew
• This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman

What's New at LitJoy?

You asked—we delivered...our coveted Throne of Glass Bookshelf Alley is BACK, but only for a limited time! Take home this iconic moment before this opportunity disappears into the forest like the Lord of the North.

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview dark romance author Monty Jay about their writing, influences, and love of morally grey characters!

Author Bio

Monty Jay is a dark romance author with titles published in multiple countries. Their books are for hopeless romantics with wicked hearts looking for their next morally grey hero. They call the Appalachian mountains home, along with their two furry friends, Poe and Maeve. When they aren’t writing you can find them reading anything Stephen King, in a tattoo chair, or bingeing a new true crime documentary. 

Topics Discussed:

• [2:12] Becoming a Writer
• [7:54] Writing Style
• [13:11] Writing Process
• [20:59] Horror Influence
• [31:08] The Lies We Steal by Monty Jay
• [42:11] Monty's Favorite Morally Grey Characters
• [52:20] Wrath of an Exile by Monty Jay
• [54:09] Final Questions

Other Resources Mentioned

• Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• It by Stephen King
• Jay Kristoff Interview
• Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
• Bromantic Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James

What's New at LitJoy?

Frankenstein & Phantom of the Opera Special Editions

Follow Monty

The Fury Series

The Hollow Boys

Instagram

Newsletter

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue sharing their favorite book-to-movie adaptions.

Topics Discussed:

[2:25] The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

[11:01] Dune by Frank Herbert

[17:44] Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

[26:07] Silo by Hugh Howey

[31:32] Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

[36:12] Austenland by Shannon Hale

[39:58] A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

[42:00] Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

[46:37] It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Correction: Rebecca Fergeson stars in Silo.

Other Books Mentioned

• Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
• Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
• A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas
• Fate: the Winx Saga by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs
• The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Eragon by Christopher Paolini
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
• Verity by Colleen Hoover

What's New at LitJoy?

Introducing the two new additions to our Gothic Horror Classics Collection!

• Frankenstein LitJoy Classic
• The Phantom of the Opera LitJoy Classic

Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue sharing their recommendations for nonfiction books that are not focused on self-help.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:44] Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
• [4:43] Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
• [7:45] Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
• [10:10] Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
• [12:36] The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

What's New at LitJoy?

LitJoy Special Edition: Rise of the Evening Star

Cinderella Fairytale Notebook

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
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Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

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In this "Fun Friday Book Recommendations", Alix and Kelly ask cosplaying couple, Michael and Hayley Burson, which books impacted their lives.

Guest Bios

Hayley Burson is a full time public librarian and part time cosplayer. She began cosplaying with her husband, Michael, in 2016, and the two of them have shared many adventures with their love of creating together. Hayley specializes in hand embroidery and beading, wig styling, and creating silly videos. She especially loves cosplaying from Fantasy, Marvel, Disney, and Game of Thrones. When she isn't cosplaying, she enjoys playing the Sims, doing yoga, thrifting, and playing with her rescued mixed poodles, Bilbo and Basil.

Michael with a self-taught cosplayer and sewist with 9 years creating costumes and fashion pieces that inspire him. Audience Choice winner of the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, Michael has a passion for education and showing the "behind the seams" process of his builds to help others create their own art as. He cosplays from Marvel, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Disney, Star Wars, and much more.

Topics Discussed

[0:45] My Life in France by Julia Child

[2:50] Game of Thrones: The Costumes, the official book from Season 1 to Season 8 by Michele Clapton

[4:22] A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

[5:58] Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb

[8:02] The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Other Books Mentioned

• Lord of the Rings Series by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Game of Thrones Series by George R.R. Martin
• Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
• ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas

Follow Michael and Hayley

Michael's Instagram

Hayley's Instagram

Hayley's TikTok

Michael & Hayley's YouTube Channel

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

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In this Fun Friday episode, Kelly and Alix get reading recommendations from Twin Crown authors Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber.

Author Bios

Katherine Webber is from Southern California and spent much of her childhood in the Palm Springs desert. She is the author of Only Love Can Break Your Heart and The Revelry. For younger readers, she cowrites the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid and Dragon Realm series with her husband, Kevin Tsang. She is currently based in London with her husband and young daughters. 

Catherine Doyle lives in the West of Ireland with her husband Jack, and their dog, Cali. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Publishing. Her award-winning and bestselling work, which includes middle grade and young adult fiction, has been published in over 25 languages.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:29] Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
• [1:14] The Princess Bride by William Goldman
• [2:55] Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
• [5:29] A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
• [6:29] Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
• [6:47] Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Other Books Mentioned

• The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• Twin Crowns series by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle

What's New at LitJoy?

The Darkest Part of the Forest Annotated Special Edition

Follow LitJoy!

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In this "Fun Friday Book Recommendations", Alix and Kelly ask author Monty Jay which books had an impact on their life.

Author Bio

Monty Jay is a dark romance author with titles published in multiple countries. Their books are for hopeless romantics with wicked hearts looking for their next morally grey hero. They call the Appalachian Mountains home, along with their two furry friends, Poe and Maeve. When they aren’t writing you can find them reading anything Stephen King, in a tattoo chair, or bingeing a new true crime documentary. 

Topics Discussed

[0:39] Lord of the Flies by William Golding

[1:24] Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede

[2:58] Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

[6:12] The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

[9:37] The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Other Books Mentioned

• Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King
• Misery by Stephen King
• The Iliad by Homer
• The Odyssey by Homer
• Circe by Madeline Miller

Monty Jay

• The Fury Series
• The Hollow Boys
• Instagram
• Newsletter

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

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In this "Fun Friday Book Recommendations", Alix and Kelly talk with author Brandon Mull about which books have most greatly impacted on his life.

Author Bio

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Dragonwatch, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and three mischievous cats. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

Topics Discussed

[0:45] The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

[1:15] The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien

[2:47] The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

[4:03] Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

[4:52] Dune by Frank Herbert

[6:47] Bonus Books

Other Books Brandon Loves

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Watership Down by Richard Adams

LitJoy + Brandon Mull

• Watch Brandon's full-episode interview here!
• Fablehaven Special Edition Book Collection
• Brandon Mull's Website

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

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While we take a break from posting full episodes this summer, check out our Fun Fridays Reading Recommendations for books to add to your summer TBR! We'll be sharing Fun Fridays throughout the summer.

Season three of the LitJoy podcast premieres this September, we'll be returning with exclusive interviews, themed reading lists, and more!

Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

What's New at LitJoy

LitJoy + Holly Black Darkest Part of the Forest Special Edition

LitJoy Exclusive Edition Valley by Stacey McEwan

LitJoy + Cherry Wallis Collection

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
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Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

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In this episode, Alix and Kelly interview content creator Cherry Wallis and discuss her entrance into content creation, creating community in a virtual space, her new brick and mortar store, a very witchy collaboration we have coming up, and more!

Topics Discussed

• [0:00] Introduction to Cherry Wallis
• [0:37] About Cherry's Channel
• [2:11] Starting YouTube as a Hobby
• [5:04] What Led Cherry to Art & Design
• [7:13] Cherry and LitJoy Connect
• [8:05] Creating Community
• [12:06] The Lost Cauldron
• [19:12] Unique YouTube Experiences
• [20:55] Most Memorable Experience
• [24:42] Other Fandoms
• [27:23] Cherry's TBR
• [28:39] The Power of Fandoms
• [34:12] Overcoming Challenges
• [36:48] Trolls
• [43:20] LitJoy + Cherry Wallis Green Witch Collection
• [50:28] Naming The Lost Cauldron

Guest Bio

With a following of over 1M across her social channels, Cherry is a content creator with a magical twist. She's a YouTuber with a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award to her name, and an engaged magical online family tuning in for her positivity and subscription box reviews.

Books Mentioned by Cherry Wallis

• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas
• Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Other Books Mentioned

• Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas
• Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer
• Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
• A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

Follow Cherry

• Cherry's YouTube
• The Lost Cauldron website
• The Lost Cauldron Instagram
• Cherry Wallis & Tom Felton Interview

What's New at LitJoy?

Cherry Wallis Green Witch Collection

Follow LitJoy!

• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Follow us on TikTok @litjoycrate

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber.

Author Bios

Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber are both bestselling and award-winning writers of YA and children’s books. In addition to cowriting the Twin Crowns series, they are sisters-in-law. 

Katherine Webber is from Southern California and spent much of her childhood in the Palm Springs desert. She is the author of Only Love Can Break Your Heart and The Revelry. For younger readers, she cowrites the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid and Dragon Realm series with her husband, Kevin Tsang. She is currently based in London with her husband and young daughters. 

Catherine Doyle lives in the West of Ireland with her husband Jack, and their dog, Cali. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Publishing. Her award-winning and bestselling work, which includes middle grade and young adult fiction, has been published in over 25 languages.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] About Katherine and Catherine
• [3:27] Cowriting Twin Crowns
• [9:56] Writing Romance
• [14:55] Identifying with Characters
• [18:05] Katie and Cat's Writing Style
• [19:38] To Bee Read
• [21:19] Becoming Writers
• [31:20] Laini Taylor Love
• [36:28] Childhood Books
• [42:54] Final Questions

Other Resources Mentioned

• Katie and Cat Q&A
• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
• The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
• The Alanna Series by Tamora Pierce
• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• Hades x Persephone Saga by Scarlett St Clair
• The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

What's New at LitJoy?

Holly Black's The Darkest Part of the Forest Special Edition

Connect with Cat

Catherine Doyle's Website

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview cosplay enthusiasts Michael and Hayley Burson. They talk fandoms, favorites, and all the fun that comes with taking part in the cosplay community!

Guest Bios:

Hayley Burson is a full time public librarian and part time cosplayer. She began cosplaying with her husband, Michael, in 2016, and the two of them have shared many adventures with their love of creating together. Hayley specializes in hand embroidery and beading, wig styling, and creating silly videos. She especially loves cosplaying from Fantasy, Marvel, Disney, and Game of Thrones. When she isn't cosplaying, she enjoys playing the Sims, doing yoga, thrifting, and playing with her rescued mixed poodles, Bilbo and Basil.

Michael with a self-taught cosplayer and sewist with 9 years creating costumes and fashion pieces that inspire him. Audience Choice winner of the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comiccon in 2022, Michael has a passion for education and showing the behind the seams process of his builds to help others create their art as well. He cosplays from Marvel, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Disney, Star Wars, and much more.

Topics Discussed:

• [1:23] Getting Into Cosplay
• [6:08] Connecting Over Fandoms
• [8:39] Cosplay as Children
• [12:11] Creating Together
• [17:44] Favorite Designs
• [21:52] Unique Experiences
• [24:22] Photoshoots
• [26:12] Attending Cons
• [29:56] Changing Styles
• [31:47] Couples Costumes
• [33:13] Michael Winning Her Universe
• [40:56] Budget Tips
• [47:07] Dr. Strange Cosplay
• [53:39] Current Projects

Other Resources Mentioned

• Michael modeling for Her Universe Fashion Show

What's New at LitJoy?

Cinderella Fairytale Notebook

A River Enchanted Plant Mug

Follow Michael and Hayley

Michael's Instagram

Hayley's Instagram

Hayley's TikTok

Michael & Hayley's YouTube Channel

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Follow us on TikTok @litjoycrate
• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue sharing their most influential self-help books, this time diving into Human Design and honing in on how to show courage and be unapologetically ourselves.

Topics Discussed:

• [1:23] Human Design: The Revolutionary System that Shows You Who You Came Here to Be by Jenna Zoe
• [18:41] Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown
• [22:09] Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty... And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, and Unapologetically Being Yourself by Dr Aziz Gazipura
• [33:30] Gut: the Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders
• [41:21] Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Joseph Grenny

Other Resources Mentioned

• My Human Design
• I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life by Ed Yong
• Strange World (film)

What's New at LitJoy?

Ella Enchanted LitJoy Edition releases on June 5 for Lunacorn Early Access and June 6 for public access! Whether you're returning to Frell or experiencing the magic for the first time, our gorgeous gilded edition will take your breath away!

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

Thank you for talking self-help books with us! We hope you found something new to take with you on your journey.

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview Brandon Mull, author of the beloved Fablehaven series. Listen in as they discuss inspirations, characters, writing, and more!

Topics Discussed:

• [0:58] Origin Story of Becoming an Author
• [4:46] Inspiration for Fablehaven
• [6:21] Daydreams Create Stories
• [10:52] Writer's Block
• [15:01] Harness the Crazy
• [15:57] Becoming a Better Writer
• [19:11] Inspiration from Life
• [21:24] Creating Characters
• [26:57] Relatable Characters
• [30:12] Writing Other Genres
• [33:02] Advice for New Authors
• [34:42] Divine Comedy
• [36:03] Writing Middle Grade
• [40:45] Community of Writers in Utah
• [43:54] Coffee with an Author
• [45:21] Book Rec: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
• [46:18] Upcoming Projects
• [47:17] Final Questions

Books Mentioned

• Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull
• Beyonders trilogy Brandon Mull
• The Candy Shop War series by Brandon Mull
• The Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis
• The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
• The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien
• On Writing by Stephen King
• The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

What's New at LitJoy?

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star

Follow Brandon Mull

• Website

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% discount!

Thank you for joining us for this special interview! We've loved collaborating with Brandon Mull for the first two Fablehaven books, and we can't wait for you all to see the magic we have in store for the rest of the series. Come back next week when Alix and Kelly will return to their discussion on self-help book recs!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix discuss some of their most influential self-help books. From sexuality and the sleep cycle, to stress and then science of breathing, they take a look at books that have had an impact on the way they live their lives.

Topics Discussed:

• [2:46] The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
• [14:01] The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills
• [21:12] The Untethered Soul: the Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
• [26:03] Come as You Are & Burnout by Emily Nagoski https://amzn.to/3UT4viI
• [32:01] Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
• [35:55] Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

Other Resources Mentioned

• Matthew Walker on The Huberman Lab

What's New at LitJoy?

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star

Kingdom of the Wicked Collection

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

Thank you for listening to this week's podcast! We have an amazing interview with Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series, that you won't want to miss next week. Then we'll be back the following week for Part 2 of Alix and Kelly's Most Influential Self-Help Book Recs... see you then!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix talk with Natalie Sue about five books that have impacted her life.

Author Bio

Natalie Sue is a Canadian author of Iranian and British descent. She spent her formative years moving around western Canada with a brief stint in Scotland, where she discovered her passion for storytelling and the comfort of reading. She’s served her country in the Tim Hortons drive-through, been a bartender and an assistant, and worked in criminal justice, but through it all she’s been a writer. She lives in Calgary with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Topics Discussed:

• [1:45] Hyperbole and a Half, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh https://amzn.to/3wyRTE2
• [3:36] Sadie by Courtney Summers
• [5:39] Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes
• [7:00} A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
• [10:08] Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

What's New at LitJoy?

The Ocean at the End of the Lane Illustrated Special Edition

Kingdom of the Wicked Collection

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star LitJoy Edition

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix share all the hot new beach reads releasing this spring and summer to add to your TBR! Prepare for a summer filled with romance, humor, and a bit of fantasy, too.

Topics Discussed:

• [3:18] Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
• [5:13] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
• [7:09] The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
• [9:14] Funny Story by Emily Henry
• [13:09] The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
• [18:07] Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
• [22:08] The Wren in the Holly Library by KA Linde
• [25:34] Daydream by Hannah Grace
• [28:38] Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood
• [31:55] The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Other Books Mentioned

• The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
• The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
• The Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

What's New at LitJoy?

The Ocean at the End of the Lane Illustrated Special Edition

Kingdom of the Wicked Collection

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star LitJoy Edition

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
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In this episode, Kelly and Alix take us on a romp through absurd, witty, nonsensical, and funny books that will add a delightful touch of comedic relief to your life.

Topics Discussed:

• [2:45] Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• [8:25] Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
• [14:52] Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare
• [18:48] Bossypants by Tina Fey
• [26:38] The Princess Bride by William Goldman
• [33:02] My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
• [38:40] Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• [43:27] Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• [47:42] Flavia de Luce Series by Alan Bradley
• [52:23] A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Other Resources Mentioned

• Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
• The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
• @henderson_nik
• The Lady Janies Series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
• The Martian by Andy Weir
• The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
• The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

What's New at LitJoy?

The Dark Artifices Jesse Blackthorn Replica Locket

The Ocean at the End of the Lane Collector's Illustrated Edition by Neil Gaiman

Follow LitJoy!

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group
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In this episode, Kelly and Alix delve deeper into the Sarah J. Maas phenomenon and share books like ACOTAR to help remedy your bookish hangover!

Check out all the LitJoy Special Edition Books

Topics Discussed:

• [2:11] Books to Read if You Have a "Maas-ive" Book Hangover
• [7:10] Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• [17:21] Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
• [26:25] The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
• [30:29] Stacey McEwan Creates Fantasy in Real-Life TikToks
• [32:32] Ledge by Stacey McEwan
• [36:28] Kingdom of the Wicked Series by Kerri Maniscalco
• [43:22] Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Other Books Mentioned

• Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
• A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
• Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.
• The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
• Ivory and Bone by Julie Eshbaugh
• Neon Gods by Katee Robert

What's New at LitJoy?

ACOTAR Bat Boy Earrings

Kingdom of the Wicked Collection

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
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• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
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Kelly and Alix dive into conversation on book to movie adaptations, sharing thoughts about whimsical recreations of beloved classics. They delve into the wonder of recreating well-known works, as well as handling more problematic aspects.

Topics Discussed:

• [3:15] Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• [11:08] Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• [25:38] Peter Pan by JM Barrie
• [22:25] Changing and Anticipating Cultural Sensitivities
• [35:45] Back to Peter Pan!

Other Books and Movies Mentioned

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
• Oppenheimer (film)
• Wonka (film)
• The Witches by Roald Dahl
• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
• Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
• Going Solo by Roald Dahl
• Matilda by Roald Dahl
• Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• Sandman by Neil Gaiman
• This is the End (film)
• The Santa Clause (film)
• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

What's New at LitJoy?

LitJoy + Leigh Bardugo King of Scars Annotated Special Edition Box Set!

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
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In this "Fun Friday Book Recommendations", Alix and Kelly discuss various non-fiction books. From aliens to, "Alright, alright, alright," this TBR list is sure to make an impact on your reading.

Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns

[3:05] UFO of God: the Extraordinary True Story of Chris Bledsoe by Chris Bledsoe

[6:39] Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

[7:43] The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda French

[10:52] Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

[12:35] Becoming by Michelle Obama

Resources Mentioned

• Encounters by Steven Spielberg (Netflix Series)
• Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
• Emily Nagoski (author)

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!
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In this episode, Kelly and Alix delve into the Sarah J. Maas phenomenon and share books they recommend reading if you loved Throne of Glass.

Check out the LitJoy + Sarah J Maas Collection at litjoycrate.com/collections/sarah-j-maas

Topics Discussed:

• [0:57] Sarah J Maas is Taking Over the World
• [16:24] Books to read if you loved Throne of Glass
• [18:53] An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
• [22:40] Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
• [28:40] Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer
• [33:56] Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
• [41:33] The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff

Correction: According to Publisher's Weekly, sales of romance titles grew 52.4% from 2021 to 2022.

Other Resources Mentioned

• Holly Black LitJoy Collection
• LitJoy Heartless Special Edition
• LitJoy Podcast Interview with Marissa Meyer
• Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas
• ACOTAR series by Sarah J Maas
• Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas
• Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros
• King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo
• The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
• King's English Bookshop
• LitJoy March Madness Bracket
• Cassandra Clare

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Follow us on TikTok @litjoycrate
• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, the discussion continues on book-to-movie adaptations! Alix and Kelly take a look at beloved classics, talk ACOTAR rumors, and discuss the world of Cassandra Clare!

Topics Discussed:

• [2:30] ACOTAR Rumors
• [4:28] The Giver by Lois Lowry
• [14:44] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• [31:41] The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
• [42:42] Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Other Books and Media Mentioned in this Episode:

• Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
• ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas
• Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• The Village film
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
• Pride and Prejudice film
• The Vampire Diaries tv show
• Reign tv show
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman
• LitJoy Special Edition of Wuthering Heights

Additional Resources:

• Suzie Townsend Episode
• Future Episodes 25 & 27: Books to read if you love Sarah J. Maas

What's New at LitJoy?

The Mortal Instruments Mortal Cup Replica

Heartless Special Edition

Follow LitJoy!

• Join our Lunacorns private membership
• Instagram
• TikTok

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Alix and Kelly continue sharing tips on how to start a book club and maintain it long-term.

Tips Shared:

• [2:16] Tip #1: Get Members Involved & Allow Yourself This Time
• [15:28] Get Creative with Members
• [22:04] Create a Food Experience
• [27:10] Have Time to Socialize
• [32:47] Allow Change & Flexibility
• [42:30] Don't Take Things Personally; Members Will Come & Go
• [48:27] Reasons to Join or Start a Book Club

Books Mentioned:

• Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• My Life in France by Julia Child
• Shadow and Bone Series by Leigh Bardugo
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• Circe by Madeline Miller
• Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
• Divergent by Veronica Roth

Resources Mentioned:

• Delicious Reads
• Evite
• Signup Genius
• Bookclub App
• Cami Hall Studio
• Cami Hall Studio Instagram
• Block Restaurant Provo, Utah

What's New at LitJoy?

Heartless Special Edition

Fablehaven Special Edition

Follow LitJoy!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!
• Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% discount!

Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix discuss how to start a book club and keep it running.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:07] Cassandra Clare LitJoy Collection
• [1:10] About Lunacorns
• [2:12] Why Kelly Started Her Book Club
• [6:00] Types of Book Clubs
• [10:10] Get Feedback
• [13:30] Creating Structure & Setting
• [19:16] Online Meetings with Authors
• [21:13] Inviting Members
• [28:10] Recognition from Publishers
• [29:36] Roles
• [40:48] The Creation of LitJoy
• [42:43] Food & Leadership
• [48:33] Book Selection

Books & Authors Mentioned:

• The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
• Leigh Bardugo
• Brodi Ashton
• Jay Kristoff
• Amie Kaufman
• Tina Fey
• Recursion by Blake Crouch
• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
• Illiminae Files by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman
• Shutter by Courtney Alameda

Resources Mentioned:

• Episodes 12, 13, and 16
• Blog
• The Night Circus
• And Then There Were None
• The Nightingale
• Illiminae Files
• Bookclubs App
• Evite
• Signup Genius
• GoodReads

What's New at LitJoy?

In My Reading Era Sweatshirt

Heartless Special Edition

Fablehaven Special Edition

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Alix and Kelly interview author Marissa Meyer.

Guest Bio:

Marissa Meyer is the host of The Happy Writer Podcast and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, The Renegades Trilogy, Heartless, the Wires & Nerve graphic novels, Instant Karma, Gilded, and Cursed. She lives in Tacoma, WA, with her husband and twin daughters. 

Topics Discussed:

• [3:25] Book Tour
• [4:40] Becoming an Author
• [8:24] Writing Fairytale Retellings
• [15:14] Developing Characters
• [18:12] Marissa's Writing Process
• [25:18] Instant Karma Inspiration
• [29:28] Marissa's Favorite Series
• [30:32] Writing Different Genres
• [33:02] Marissa's Characters
• [36:35] Co-writing Let it Glow
• [40:38] The Happy Writer Podcast
• [43:14] Dream Home Location
• [45:28] Coffee with Marissa's Favorite Author
• [48:10] LitJoy Special Edition of Heartless

Books Mentioned in This Episode by Marissa Meyer:

• Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles, book 1) book
• Sailor Moon, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi book
• Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer book
• Gilded duology by Marissa Meyer book
• The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer book
• Let it Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy book
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen book
• Persuasion by Jane Austen book

Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Heartless by Marissa Meyer book
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer book
• With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer book
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen book

Follow Marissa!

• The Happy Writer Podcast
• @marissameyerauthor

What's New at LitJoy?

LitJoy x Marissa Meyer Heartless Annotated Special Edition

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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In this "Fun Friday book recommendations" episode, Alix and Kelly talk with author Marissa Meyer about the five books that impacted her life.

Guest Bio:

Marissa Meyer is the host of The Happy Writer Podcast and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, The Renegades Trilogy, Heartless, the Wires & Nerve graphic novels, Instant Karma, Gilded, and Cursed. She lives in Tacoma, WA, with her husband and twin daughters. 

Books Discussed in This Episode:

1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies trilogy, book 1) audiobook

2. Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon series, volume 1) book

3. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien The Hobbit Lord of the Rings

4. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen audiobook

5. Antique Fairy Tales Illustrated by Judy Mastrangelo book

Follow Marissa Meyer

The Happy Writer Podcast

@marissameyerauthor

Follow us!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue to discuss their favorite book-to-movie adaptations featuring science thrillers and regency romance.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:41] LOTR series & The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien book
• [12:04] Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty book
• [17:40] Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton book
• [23:55] The Martian by Andy Weir book
• [30:21] Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon book
• [36:44] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen book
• [43:57] Emma by Jane Austen book
• [46:54] Persuasion by Jane Austen book
• [47:58] Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen book

Other Books and Movies Mentioned:

• Stardust by Neil Gaiman LitJoy edition
• Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien book
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir book
• Illuminae Files series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff book
• Castaway movie
• Clueless movie

Additional Resources:

• Chatsworth
• Stourhead Gardens

What's New at LitJoy?

• Check out our LitJoy x Brandon Mull Fablehaven Series
• Preview the upcoming LitJoy x Marissa Meyer Heartless Annotated Special Edition
• Shop the new Cassandra Clare Collection 2024

Follow LitJoy!

• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Alix and Kelly interview Laini Taylor—one of their favorite fantasy authors of all time—to discuss her books, inspiration, and what she's working on next!

Guest Bio:

Laini Taylor is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, the Strange the Dreamer duology, and other books. She’s been translated into over thirty languages, shortlisted for the National Book Award, and won a Printz Honor. You can find more about writing and a warm and active community of writers at all stages at her Patreon and Discord, where she meets with members on Zoom every week.

Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] About Laini Taylor
• [0:28] DoSaB Special Edition
• [1:42] Becoming a Writer
• [2:54] Getting Published
• [6:12] Bringing Ideas to Life
• [11:13] Favorite Scenes to Write
• [17:35] Laini + LitJoy
• [22:45] Why the Gods Are Blue
• [24:27] All about Lazo
• [32:06] All about Minya
• [40:36] Inspiration for DoSaB?
• [44:56] Laini's Travels
• [51:57] Current Project
• [56:14] DoSaB Crossover with Strange the Dreamer?
• [57:38] Secret Projects!
• [1:01:12] Final Questions

Books Mentioned in This Episode by Laini Taylor:

• Blackbringer (Faeries of Dreamdark) hardcover
• Lips Touch: Three Times audiobook
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone [LitJoy Special Edition Set]
• Strange the Dreamer Duology audiobook

Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nettle & Bone by T.Kingfisher audiobook
• The Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede audiobook
• This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede audiobook
• Little Thieves by Margaret Owen audiobook
• Author, Frances Hardinge's books

Additional Resources:

Laini Taylor's Website

What's New at LitJoy?

• Check out our LitJoy x Brandon Mull Fablehaven Series
• Preview the upcoming LitJoy x Marissa Meyer Heartless Annotated Special Edition
• Shop the new Cassandra Clare Collection 2024

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] Book-to-movie adaptations: should you read or watch first?
• [3:33] Harry Potter series by JK Rowling audiobook
• [10:07] Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer audiobook
• [18:00] Alix auditions for Harry Potter
• [24:17] Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins audiobook
• [31:47] Divergent series by Veronica Roth audiobook
• [34:27] The Hating Game by Sally Thorne audiobook
• [38:27] Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn audiobook

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien audiobook
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury audiobook
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood audiobook
• The Giver by Lois Lowry audiobook
• Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry audiobook
• Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon audiobook
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen audiobook
• Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton audiobook
• The Martian by Andy Weir audiobook

What's New at LitJoy?

Check out our LitJoy x Brandon Mull Fablehaven Series

Shop the new Cassandra Clare Collection 2024

Follow LitJoy!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!

• Make sure to follow The LitJoy Podcast here.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Follow us on TikTok @litjoycrate

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Topics Discussed:

• [4:38] Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - Scotland
• [10:18] Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - Italy, India, and Indonesia
• [15:44] The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer - Guernsey Island in the British Isles
• [18:07] A Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell - Denmark
• [21:09] Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - Prince Edward Island, Canada https://litjoycrate.com/products/book-anne-of-green-gables
• [24:22] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah - Alaska
• [29:15] A Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness - The Bodleian Library, Oxford as well as France, Boston, Vatican City and New Orleans
• [36:15] The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Amsterdam
• [40:20] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire, Bath in Somerset
• [47:57] Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - Forks, Washington
• [54:05] The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Matamata, New Zealand

What's New at LitJoy!

• Vampire Academy Special Edition: https://litjoycrate.com/rose
• Shop the ACOTAR Velaris Bookshelf Alley: www.litjoycrate.com/velaris
• New Year Goals! Check out The Reading Journal: litjoycrate.com/products/reading-journal

Follow us!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

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Topics Discussed:

• [3:21] The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, audiobook
• [9:36] The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates, audiobook
• [21:03] Educated by Tara Westover, audiobook
• [30:26] The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, audiobook
• [35:55] The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, audiobook
• [42:36] Wonder by R.J. Palacio, audiobook
• [47:52] Illuminae Files series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, audiobook

Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez, audiobook

What's New?

• Vampire Academy Special Edition Box Set: https://litjoycrate.com/rose
• Shop the ACOTAR Velaris Bookshelf Alley: www.litjoycrate.com/velaris
• New Year Goals! Check out The Reading Journal: litjoycrate.com/products/reading-journal

Follow us!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

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Guest Bio: 

Kim is a writer, book-matchmaker, and grad student in creative writing. She shares her best book recs and bits of her writing journey online at Talk Wordy to Me and is a book reviewer for the lifestyle show Good Things Utah. Kim is a former audiobook narrator, magazine editor, and small-press publicist. When she's not working on her next novel, you can find her wrangling her three kids, listening to an audiobook at the gym, or curled up in bed with a BBC drama.

10 Must-Read Contemporary Romances:

1. Snowed In by Catherine Walsh audiobook

2. Beach Read by Emily Henry audiobook

3. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman audiobook

4. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid audiobook

5. A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss audiobook

6. The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty (and What Alice Forgot) audiobook

7. My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan audiobook

8. Float Plan by Trish Doller audiobook

9. To All the Boys I've Loved Before By Jenny Han audiobook

10. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune audiobook

Follow us!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Topics discussed in this episode:

[2:37] Reading slumps: what are they? what causes them?

[10:05] Tips to help get over a reading slump

[22:28] The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab - audiobook

[28:28] The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - audiobook

[29:51] The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune - audiobook

[35:40] Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - audiobook

[38:11] Beach Read by Emily Henry - audiobook

[39:34] Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - audiobook

[43:27] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - audiobook

[46:53] A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson - audiobook

[49:20] Lore Olympus Graphic Novels by Rachel Smythe - book

[50:59] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - audiobook

Other books mentioned in this episode:

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey audiobook

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood audiobook

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune audiobook

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff audiobook

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides audiobook

Follow us!

Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!

Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email

Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns

Check out our officially licensed author collections!

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Topics discussed in this episode:

[4:23] Throne of Glass series discussion by Sarah J. Maas: "It's a lot, but also, not enough." audiobook

[5:26] House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City series, book #3): "It's Miami Zootopia!" audiobook

[7:50] A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses series, book #4): "A book where Nesta and Cassian have a lot of sex." audiobook

[18:00] Xaden from Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean series, book #1): "Ever visited to a frat house before?" audiobook

[24:14] Play Along by Liz Tomforde (The Windy City Series, book #4): I'd be shook!" audiobook

[30:41] Wrath of an Exile by Monty Jay (The River Styx Heathen series, book #1): "To the Styx!"

[41:43] The Rule Book by Jennifer Blackwood (The Rule Breakers series, book #1): "The doors are wide open in this book!" audiobook

[43:20] Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver (The Ruinous Love Trilogy, book #2): "I may have a thing for serial killers." audiobook

[52:20] Bride by Ali Hazelwood: "Sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance!" audiobook https://amzn.to/3vT31Li

[58:35] Daydream by Hannah Grace (The Maple Hills Series, book #3): "The new novel from the author of Icebreaker and Wildfire!" audiobook

Devin's Instagram: @devinryann

More info about Monty Jay's The River Styx Heathen series

Throne of Glass tandem read information

Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!

Join our Lunacorns membership group https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns

Check out officially licensed author collections!

Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue their most anticipated reads for 2024!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Funny Story by Emily Henry [0:28] audiobook
• The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo [1:30] audiobook
• A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna [2:50] audiobook
• The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black (Stolen Heir duology, book 2) [3:45] audiobook
• Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey [4:30] audiobook
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood [6:05] audiobook
• Bonus! Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood [6:55] audiobook
• House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City series, book 3) [7:32] audiobook
• The Fury by Alex Michaelides [8:45] audiobook
• Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune (Cerulean Chronicles, book 2) [9:30] audiobook
• A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal (Blook and Tea series, book 1) [11:00] audiobook

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Topics Discussed:

• [2:45] The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton: family secrets! Are we capable of keeping secrets? audiobook
• [9:00] The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: gushing about our crush, Oscar, "what would my portrait look like?" audiobook
• [16:50] Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: aliens are real (obviously), this is a MUST READ! There is so much to talk about! audiobook
• [26:10] A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw: unique mix of genres, cults and fascinating human behavior, and missing people. audiobook
• [33:10] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: treatment of women in STEM in the 50s (cue feminist rage), privilege, reading in discomfort, and suppers at six! audiobook
• [42:00] The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: personality tests, tools for relationships, and understanding motivations and weaknesses. audiobook
• [48:15] The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: a gateway read into thrillers, a shocking ending, and human motivation and morality. audiobook

What's New!

• Shop the ACOTAR Velaris Bookshelf Alley: www.litjoycrate.com/velaris
• New Year Goals! Check out The Reading Journal: litjoycrate.com/products/reading-journal
• Vampire Academy Special Edition Box Set: https://litjoycrate.com/rose

Join Us!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Make sure to follow The LitJoy Podcast here.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Topics Discussed:

[0:45] Why we chose the books we did

[2:45] Dark Matter by Blake Crouch "Are you happy with your life?" audiobook

[7:35] The Midnight Library by Matt Haig audiobook

[10:31] Are we living in a simulation??

[12:03] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah "Nobody wins in war." audiobook

[17:10] Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand audiobook

[17:42] Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys audiobook

[20:41] Ready Player One by Ernest Cline "A nerds dream!" audiobook

[24:54] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel "I have to talk about this with someone!" audiobook

[28:30] The Giver by Lois Lowry audiobook

[33:18] The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield "Creaky floor vibes." audiobook

[39:00] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern "It's an experience!" audiobook

[44:05] Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. "WELLCUM" audiobook

What's New?

• Shop the ACOTAR Velaris Bookshelf Alley: www.litjoycrate.com/velaris
• New Year, New Reading Goals! Check out The Reading Journal: litjoycrate.com/products/reading-journal

Join Us!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Make sure to follow The LitJoy Podcast here.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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In this episode, Kelly and Alix continue their list of top 2023 book recommendations! They discuss some themes found in each book, the spice level, and why they recommend it.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab [0:30]
• Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree (Book #0 in Legends and Lattes series) [1:37]
• Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett [3:00]
• Starling House by Alix E. Harrow [4:12]
• A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon (Roots of Chaos series #0) [5:07]
• Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score (Knockemout #3) [6:10]
• A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber (Once Upon a Broken Heart #3) [7:50]
• Happy Place by Emily Henry [9:11]
• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang [10:00]
• Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare [11:45]
• The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent [13:10]

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Guest Bio: 

Kim is a writer, book-matchmaker, and grad student in creative writing. She shares her best book recs and bits of her writing journey online at Talk Wordy to Me and is a book reviewer for the lifestyle show Good Things Utah. Kim is a former audiobook narrator, magazine editor, and small-press publicist. When she's not working on her next novel, you can find her wrangling her three kids, listening to an audiobook at the gym, or curled up in bed with a BBC drama.

In this interview, LitJoy owners Kelly and Alix interview writer, reader, and book influencer Kimberly Christenson. They discuss the reading recommendations to battle the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Join us for some hygge chit-chat!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• SAD and winter blues [3:00]
• Wintering by Katherine May [5:45] audiobook
• The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country by Helen Russell [13:20] audiobook
• Hygge!! [15:40]
• 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff [22:20] audiobook
• Devotions by Mary Oliver [24:25] book
• A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst [25:10] book
• Neil Gaiman and writing by hand [29:00]
• All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle [32:30] audiobook
• The loneliness epidemic and creating real connection with others [34:25]
• Creating a "third place" in your community with clubs, especially a book club [38:40]
• The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin [45:00] audiobook
• The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale [46:45] audiobook
• What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon [49:00] audiobook
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton [49:50] audiobook

What's Next?!

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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Jay Kristoff is a #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. He is the winner of eight Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over two million books in print, and is published in over 35 countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6’7" and has approximately 11,000 days to live. He does not believe in happy endings. To learn more about Jay’s books, click here.

Topics Discussed:

[2:05] When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

[5:18] How did working at an ad agency play a part in your books?

[9:28] Do you have a say in the design of your book covers?

[11:30] What was it like co-writing the Illuminae Files series with Amie Kauffman? How did you two meet?

[16:40] "Plotter or Pantser" writer?

[17:30] When did you know who the Nevernight narrator was going to be?

[19:20] Jay and Amie's writing process; the story of when "mom and dad" fought

[26:55] Fangirling over Stephen King

[29:00] Jay's favorite Stephen King book of all time

[36:14] Let's talk about the Nevernight footnotes, lol!

[41:44] Defacing a Nevernight ARC

[43:50] Elevator pitch for Empire of the Vampire

[49:40] The three novels Jay studied before writing The Empire of the Vampire

[54:20] Favorite scenes that Jay's ever written

[1:00:12] Fans, the best part of the job

[1:06:00] Three final questions

Books by Jay Kristoff:

• Empire of the Vampire
• Aurora Cycle
• Nevernight Chronicles
• LIFELIK3
• Illuminae Files
• Lotus War

Books Mentioned:

• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
• Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor
• Salem's Lot by Stephen King
• Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
• The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
• Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
• Dark Rise and Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
• House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Artists Mentioned:

• Bon Orthwick
• Jason Chan
• Kirby Rosanes
• Micaela Alcaino

Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns

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Check out LitJoy's officially licensed Jay Kristoff Collection!

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Topics discussed in this episode:

• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [0:35] audiobook
• Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo (#2 in the Alex Stern Series) [1:30] audiobook
• Divine Rivals: A Novel by Rebecca Ross [3:00] audiobook
• The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi [4:00] audiobook
• The Stolen Heir: A Novel of Elfhame by Holly Black [5:30] audiobook
• Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare [6:25] audiobook
• Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson [7:37] audiobook
• Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood [8:42] audiobook
• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty [9:24] audiobook
• In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune [10:20] audiobook
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid [11:20] audiobook

We deeply appreciate your support in creating community around stories!

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW this podcast!
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
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SPOILERS WARNING! This episode contains spoilers.

In this episode, LitJoy owners Kelly and Alix discuss one of our favorite reads from 2023, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Book summary [2:35]
• Trigger warnings [4:45]
• Fall into the cinematic setting of Divine Rivals! [5:20]
• Enemies to lovers . . . excuse me while I drool [8:11]
• Iris as a guarded character [11:00]
• Character names and what they mean [13:15]
• Becoming a war correspondent [14:00]
• You have a magical typewriter, what do you do with it? [14:45]
• Iris's mom as a difficult character [18:55]
• Iris will save herself, but Roman could be such a hero! [21:00]
• Roman's character arc. Parents can mess their kids up! [24:00]
• The Darcy moment, walking through the field [29:10]
• Sparkly Edward [30:35]
• The big reveal! We thought it would be a bigger deal. [31:55]
• So her brother seems to have been through thingssss...also the gods are awake now [33:00]
• Roman, I am healed! Kind of... [34:45]
• Book 2 predictions [37:50]
• Our favorite characters in the book [39:20]
• Book 2 predictions, again [40:35]

What's Next?

• Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast here.
• Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email
• Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns
• Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrate
• Follow us on TikTok @litjoycrate
• Check out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!

Use the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

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Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the co-author of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. Her books have sold more than fifty million copies in print worldwide. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Find her at cassandraclare.com

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy books, including the novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, Book of Night. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. She lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library. She invites you to visit her online at blackholly.com.

In this episode:

• Cassie & Holly, the beginning of a beautiful friendship [2:57]
• Writing at home vs. writing away & how to spark creativity [7:27]
• Workshopping each other's writing [12:04]
• Irritating edits, DON'T KILL SIMON! [16:00]
• "Write drunk, edit sober" [18:33]
• Favorite characters from each other's works [19:10]
• Hanging out with the Ragpicker King from Sword Catcher [21:30]
• Prioritizing peace & finding time for yourself [31:27]
• Write Holly a letter! [34:38]
• Cassie & Holly discuss their hardest books to write [45:54]
• "The perfect kind of fame" [50:44]
• Cassandra Clare is a pen name [53:00]
• What Cassie & Holly are working on now [56:15]
• What Cassie & Holly are reading right now [57:17] 

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Books by British sci-fi and fantasy author, Tanith Lee
• Faeries by Allan Lee and Brian Froud book
• Starling House by Alix E. Harrow book
• The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells book
• A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher book
• What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher book
• The Heroine with 1001 Faces by Maria Tatar book

What's Next?

• Subscribe to our email
• Follow us on IG @litjoycrate and TikTok @litjoycrate
• Shop LitJoy's officially licensed Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Collections!

Use code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for 10% off!

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Guest Bio: 

Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.

Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She loves women’s fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children’s side, she is interested in select YA and MG.

In this episode:

• Suzie's journey in becoming a literary agent [2:40]
• Finding her people and Vampire Romance shame [7:40]
• Manuscripts Suzie read as an intern that made it to publication [9:50]
• The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab [10:50] book audiobook e-reader
• What is "The Slush Pile"? [11:40]
• The most unique query letter gift box ever! [14:30]
• Lucky by Alice Sebold [17:00] book e-reader
• Signing her first author and falling into becoming an agent [23:30]
• The process of agents pitching books to publishers [28:10]
• When a book "goes to auction" [33:15]
• Film rights and selling film rights [38:00]
• Divergent and the reach of film to the masses [49:00]
• Divergent by Veronica Roth [50:00] book audiobook e-reader
• The many hats that a literary agent must wear [52:00]
• How many authors Suzie represents and keeping busy with her clients [54:57]
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros [57:10] book audiobook e-reader
• Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp [57:40] book e-reader

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• For more info on Suzie's clients, recent sales, and forthcoming projects, please go here.
• For submission information go here.

What's Next?

• Alice in Wonderland Illustrated Collector's Edition is available now!! https://litjoycrate.com/alice

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Topics discussed in this episode:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas [0:38] book audiobook e-reader
• From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout [1:30] book audiobook e-reader
• The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent [2:20] book audiobook e-reader
• Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas [3:10] book audiobook e-reader
• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross [5:40] book audiobook e-reader
• Our Interview with Rebecca Ross [5:30]
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir [6:45] book audiobook e-reader
• Eragon by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle series) [7:50] book audiobook e-reader
• The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon [9:00] book audiobook e-reader
• Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard [10:40] book audiobook e-reader
• Nevernight by Jay Kristoff [11:45] book audiobook e-reader

Corrections:

• At [2:20] the correct title of Carissa Broadbent's book is The Serpent and the Wings of Night not The Serpent and the King of Night

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Topics discussed in this episode:

• This episode picks up where Episode 5 left off
• Is reading still fun when you run a book company? [3:57]
• Would we ever do a collector's edition of A Discovery of Witches [5:20]
• What books have we tried to created special editions of but couldn't and why [7:05]
• Publishers' schedules are paramount [11:00]
• What is the best part of your job being co-CEOs of LitJoy? [11:45]
• LitJoy's humble origins [15:50]
• What is the worst part of your job being co-CEOs of LitJoy? [17:22]
• We LOVE building community around books! [22:45]
• LitJoy's Purpose is to cultivate connection and joy through stories! [23:35]
• The how, when, and why of special edition announcement dates [25:20]
• How much control, or say, do authors have in the covers of their books? [27:35]
• If I want to be a published author, what recommendations do you have? [31:18]

What's Next?

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