This week we step into the shadow-drenched world of bestselling romantasy author, LJ Andrews. From indie beginnings to hybrid publishing, LJ opens up about the journey behind her fierce heroines, emotionally tangled soulmates, and silent warriors who speak volumes. We dive deep into her creative process, building brutal magic systems, writing scorching scenes, and crafting fantasy realms where every scar tells a story.
We also explore her thoughts on representation, the strength of side characters, and the thrill of bringing new projects to life.
Heads up: Spoiler talk ahead of Broken Souls and Bones, and even spicier, exclusive content and conversations live on our Patreon!
www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com
00:00Introduction and Journey to Writing
03:00Inspiration and Personal Experiences
06:11Character Development and Inspirations
09:00World Building and Plotting
12:08Series Connections and Future Plans
14:55Transitioning to Traditional Publishing
23:30The Transition from Indie to Hybrid Publishing
26:29Navigating the Challenges of Indie Publishing
29:34The Importance of Reader Relationships
31:31Advice for Aspiring Authors
32:29Exploring Characters and Themes in Writing
40:30Empowerment and Female Relationships in Literature
46:41Crafting a Unique Magic System
47:57Series Development and Cliffhangers
49:29Writing Spicy Scenes
50:59Exploring Non-Speaking Characters
52:26The Depth of Connection
54:16The Complexity of Relationships56:51The Role of Souls in the Narrative
01:01:56Character Inspirations and Visualizations
01:04:49Writing Natural Conversations
01:07:53The Significance of Soulmates in Mythology
01:10:50Exploring Complex Relationships in Fantasy
01:13:55The Anticipation of Upcoming Works
01:15:32The Challenges of Writing Battle Scenes
01:17:38Future Projects and New Directions
01:18:58Defining Dark Fantasy
01:20:49Favorite Tropes and Comfort Reads
01:22:40Upcoming Events and Conventions
01:25:12Personal Anecdotes and Reflections
This episode is sponsored by Bloom Stories.
