Shows
Fiction FansThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodYour hosts celebrate Banned Books Week 2025 by reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, a book Lilly has (somehow) been able to avoid until now. They they talk about dystopian presents, sympathy for antagonists, and the double-edged sword of hope.Content includes on-page sexual assault and coercion, and discussion of self harm and suicide.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward for the us...
2025-10-0851 minFiction FansThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonYour hosts are finally entering Spooky Month and reading the psychological supernatural horror classic, The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson. Sara has complaints that (for once) don’t boil down to “it’s horror and I don’t like horror”. Lilly agrees?! They talk about unfulfilling explanations, female agency, and relationship roller coasters.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward for the u...
2025-10-0151 minFiction FansDouble-Edged Sword & Sorcery from Brackenbury BooksYour hosts read “Walls Of Shira Yulun” by Dariel R.A. Quiogue and “Waste Flowers” by Bryn Hammond, two novellas in Mongol-inspired fantasy settings published in one volume. Your hosts compare how fantasy is integrated into each story, different approaches to fight scenes, and the horrors of war. The only character names Lilly didn't have to look up were for the goats that appear on exactly one page.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use o...
2025-06-0449 minFiction FansChai and Cat-tales by Lynn StrongYour hosts are joined by Lilly's cats to discuss Chai and Cat-tales by Lynn Strong. They cover how much they love cats, the unexpected delight of finding recipes in a novel, how much they love cats, inclusive fantasy in a cozy setting, how much they love cats, what makes a romance and finally, how much they love cats. Lilly did cut some of the cat talk, they promise.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for t...
2025-05-2152 minFiction FansMurderbot: Artificial Condition by Martha WellsYour hosts read Artificial Condition, book two in the Murderbot series by Martha Wells. Lilly struggles with pronouns, but they still manage to talk about casting for the upcoming tv show.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward for the use of “Electric Sunrise”Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
2025-04-231h 01
Athletes Beyond the GameCollegiate Swimmer Lilly Larsen: How to Make Friends in a New CityFormer University of Wisconsin La Crosse D3 collegiate swimmer, Lilly Larsen, joins Julia and Sara on this week’s episode of Athletes Beyond the Game. The conversation kicks off with some fun rapid-fire questions for Lilly before getting into her experience with athlete burnout, falling back in love with the sport, and her decision to go to college close to home after her mom’s cancer diagnosis. They also discuss how to find a job you love and ways to create a new community for yourself after college-even when moving across the country.
2025-03-1540 minFiction FansDracula by Bram StokerYour hosts discuss Dracula by Bram Stoker, and almost start talking about various Dracula adaptations as well before they manage to rein themselves in. They cover the mysteriously incorrect publication date in Lilly’s copy of the novel, how much they love Mina, and how much Stoker hated Lucy.This episode contains spoilers.Content Warning: brief mention of fictional suicide.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade...
2025-02-121h 15Fiction FansCoup de Grace: Firefly tie-in by Una McCormackIn this episode your hosts discuss the TV show Firefly, and Lilly fundamentally misunderstands "tie-in" novels. They also talk about colonialism vs. capitalism and what Wash's shirt actually looks like.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward for the use of “Electric Sunrise”Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
2024-12-0448 minFiction FansFrom These Dark Abodes by Lyndsie ManusosYour hosts talk about skeletons, mythology, and what makes a horror story in Lyndsie Mansusos’ debut novella, From These Dark Abodes. Yes, Lilly made them watch Spooky Scary Skeletons before they started recording.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeodLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
2024-10-1644 minFiction FansEditor Interview: Sinophagia edited and translated by Xueting NiYour hosts are joined by Xueting Ni to talk about her experience translating and editing Sinophagia, a collection of Chinese horror short stories. They discuss both cultural and personal horror. At the end, Sara and Lilly go over their favorite stories in the collection.You can find Xueting on twitter here: https://twitter.com/xuetingni And more from her here: http://snowpavilion.co.uk/ Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Darkest Child by...
2024-10-0954 minFiction FansBooks of Blood vol 1 by Clive BarkerLilly drags Sara into hell with their first Spooky Month book -- Books of Blood volume 1, by Clive Barker. They discuss the collection of short stories as a whole, and some of the appeal (and repulsion) of horror as a genre. They also talk about each story, going over the ones that freaked them out the most (Lilly's favorite, Sara's least favorite) and the ones that freaked them out the least (Lilly's least favorite, Sara's most bearable).Content Warnings:Death, Animal Death, Underage Relationships, Self Harm, Suicide, Cannbalism
2024-10-0248 minFiction FansParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerYour hosts discuss Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. They talk about how eerie it is to read a dystopian future set in… pretty much indistinguishable modern day (although with a little extra cannibalism sprinkled in). They also talk about religious themes, relatable characters, and the importance of kindness. Lilly sneaks in an unplanned Pet Peeve corner.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh...
2024-09-1152 minFiction FansMaking Money by Terry PratchettYour hosts read “Making Money” by Terry Pratchett. They discuss consistent love interests and disappointing villains. Sara tries not to be too down on the book.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward for the use of “Electric Sunrise”Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
2024-08-1447 minFiction FansNinth Life by Stark HolbornYour hosts read Ninth Life by Stark Holborn, the third book in what may or may not be a trilogy, they actually have no idea. They talk about the difficulties of year-long gaps before reading a sequel, debate what an epistolary novel is, and look up the definition for 2nd person POV. Lilly also spills the tea about a gossip-themed Pet Peeve.Find us on Discord / Support us on PatreonThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Séréna...
2024-08-0746 minFiction FansCassiel's Servant by Jacqueline CareyYour hosts are joined by Krystle Matar to talk about Cassiel's Servant by Jacqueline Carey, a book that covers the same events as Kushiel's Dart but from another character's perspective. Lilly can't even bring herself to describe it as "the love interest's perspective" due to how there is neither love nor interest in Kushiel's Dart (although Sara disagrees), but Cassiel's Servant was pretty fun. They discuss the huge shift in genre, different characters' priorities, and some retconning.Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of fictional sexual assault and grooming.This whole episode contains spoilers for...
2024-07-241h 10Fiction FansAuthor Interview: Beyond the Gates Infernal by Bryan S. GlosemeyerYour hosts are joined by Bryan S. Glosemeyer to talk about Beyond the Gates Infernal, volume 2 in his Shattered Gates series, but Sara and Lilly can’t resist asking a few questions about volume 1 anyway. They discuss SciFi slang, cute alien creatures, and the unsettling familiarity of the slavery system our main character grew up in. They also bring up character agency, heartbreaking romances, and the effect our subconscious has on decisions.Find more from Bryan:https://bryansglosemeyer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/doombunnybryan/ Find us on D...
2024-05-151h 04Fiction FansTBRCon 2024 Fiction Fans LIVE: Genre Bending with Krystle MatarThis was originally streamed live during TBRCon 2024Your hosts were joined by author Krystle Matar to talk about genre conventions, definitions, and rule breaking. They discuss genre terms used for marketing vs reviews. Lilly introduces a REVOLUTIONARY 3 Pillar Theory for categorizing works and genres. They play a quick round of Shoot, Screw, or Marry that totally makes sense trust me.Find more from Krystlehttps://twitter.com/KrystleMatarhttps://www.krystlematar.com/Watch the VOD of the original live stream:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb6a51s6C6...
2024-02-231h 34Fiction FansPoor Things by Alasdair GrayThis week your hosts discuss Poor Things by Alasdair Gray. Lilly only compares it to the movie a few times. They talk about the book's "found manuscript" framing device, satirizing gothic novels, and sex positivity in fictional victorian Glasgow. They also use the word "Frankenstein" as an adjective to what is hopefully a hilarious degree. Instead of an actual Words are Weird segment, they do some off the cuff word root research.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspod...
2024-01-2440 minFiction FansThirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock by Maud WoolfYour hosts discuss Thirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock by Maud Woolf. They talk about tragedy, self sabotage, and the worth of a person's life. The book doesn't actually feel that sad though, they swear. Lilly also has beef with the word quash in a mini Words are Weird segment.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Par...
2024-01-1748 min
The Bright BalloonCreating an Instagram Service Strategy | Lilly of The Creative Heart StudioI always love having Lilly on the show! In this episode, not only do we get to hear about some new products she has available for balloon artists, but we also chat about some best practices for Instagram, with quick and easy updates you can make while listening! First, we talk about your Instagram bio and how to make it appealing and informative for your audience. Lilly shares her "who, where, what and how" approach for her profile setup and we chat more specifically about the "where" and "how" because this is where we see the most...
2024-01-0450 minFiction FansThe Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry PratchettYour hosts discuss the first Young Adult novel on the Discworld, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. They takes a trip down memory lane to a brand new place, and talk about the various YA tropes that Pratchett plays with. Sara also takes us to the pet peeve corner where they try to come up with better alternatives to "male" and "female" as used in A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspod...
2023-12-0639 minFiction FansAuthor Interview: Skin Thief by Suzan PalumboYour hosts are joined by Suzan Palumbo to talk about her new collection of short fiction, Skin Thief. They discuss her inspiration from Trinidadian folklore, love of retellings, and the unique challenges of short fiction. She even gets Sara to admit that she might like gothic horror.Find more from Suzan here:https://suzanpalumbo.wordpress.com/https://twitter.com/sillysyntaxFind us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians for the use...
2023-10-2551 minFiction FansNostalgia Book Club: Which Witch? by Eva IbbotsonYour hosts are once again joined by Hannah and Laura from On Wednesdays We Read Podcast for another episode of Nostalgia Book Club. They discuss “Which Witch?" a kids’ book that’s half love story, half witchcraft exhibition, and half earthworms (yes, this was a Lilly choice). They talk about the value of dark themes in children's lit, the unremarkable love interest, and framing dated stories for young readers. There’s also a Words are Weird segment about the same words getting used for VERY different purposes in American vs British English.Check out On Wedne...
2023-10-041h 09Fiction FansThe Return of the King by J.R.R. TolkienIn this episode, your hosts discuss The Return of the King by J.R.R.Tolkien and come up with some better names for both this book and the series as a whole. They also talk about fantasy depictions of PTSD, the romanticism of Aragorn, and Eowyn’s flaws. Lilly complains a lot about monarchies. They manage to agree that Lobelia Sackville-Baggins gets a bad rap. Sara compares the “Rings of Power” adaptation to fanfiction. References to “My Immortal” are thrown around. Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patre...
2023-09-201h 07Fiction FansThief of Time by Terry PratchettIn this episode, Sara cheats you out of many very funny "horologist" puns while your hosts discuss "Thief of Time" by Terry Pratchett. Your hosts also talk about the inner workings of Igors, what makes a good pun, and the alarming lack of Susan in what is theoretically a book in the Death series of Discworld novels.Content warning: mention of fictional suicideFind us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians...
2023-09-1342 minFiction FansDebunked by Dito AbbottThis week your hosts discuss “Debunked” by Dito Abbott, an action-packed YA adventure across the sci-fi and fantasy genres (which one is it? No one knows). They talk about young readers, dinosaur kidnappers, and sand pits. Lilly continues to have a soft spot for Amnesia in any form. They also debate important topics such as: Does the robot dog have laser eyes? Or is that just a rumor?Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians for...
2023-09-0641 minFiction FansThe Two Towers by J.R.R. TolkienThis whole episode contains spoilers.This week your hosts discuss The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. Is it the second book in the Lord of the Rings series, or a combination of books three and four? Probably the former. They also talk about Tolkien having standards for his Kings, sympathy for the ents, and Lilly negs King Theoden. This episode also has a Words are Weird double feature.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspod...
2023-08-3059 minFiction FansBefore the Shattered Gates of Heaven by Bryan S. GlosemeyerYour hosts discuss “Before the Shattered Gates of Heaven” by Bryan S. Glosemeyer. They talk about intense content warnings, trusting an author, and interpreting custom slang. They also bring up space shrooms, space cats, and space sex. Lilly spends a bit of time comparing this book to Starship Troopers and Frankenstien, but not at the same time. This episode contains a default Words are Weird segment.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians for the...
2023-07-061h 02Fiction FansThe Cleaving by Juliet E. McKennaYour hosts talk about The Cleaving by Juliet E. McKenna, and how it didn’t quite live up to their expectations. Sara knows too much about Arthurian legend, and Lilly doesn’t know enough for either of them to really engage with this retelling. Something, something, girl power.Find us on discord: https://discord.gg/dpNHTWVu6b or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspodThanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”...
2023-06-2146 minFiction FansHel's Eight by Stark HolbornYour hosts go back to the moon Factus with a discussion of “Hel’s Eight,” the sequel to “Ten Low” by Stark Holborn. They try desperately to remember what happened in Ten Low and talk about the delight of world building coming after character building for once. They also debate book comps, overuse the word “gritty,” and Lilly abuses a quote from classic scifi. Sara has a Pet Peeve about grains.You can listen to them talk about "Ten Low" here: https://www.fictionfanspodcast.com/post/ten-low-by-stark-holbornThanks to the following musicians for...
2023-03-2249 minFiction FansThe Foundling, The Heist, and the Volcano by K.R.R. LockhavenYour hosts talk about The Foundling, the Heist, and the Volcano, the second novel in K.R.R. Lockhaven’s Azure Archipelago trilogy. It does provide what it says on the tin, but it also contains a whole lot of great relationships and a heavy dose of wholesome horniness. They go back and forth on whether this book counts as “cozy,” but are in staunch agreement that the antagonists play their roles exceedingly well. This episode also features a Words are Weird segment on the word “tiddly” (no google, Lilly wasn’t looking for tiddies). If you enjoye...
2023-01-1851 minFiction FansFeet of Clay by Terry PratchettYour hosts let the spoilers fly in their discussion of “Feet of Clay” by Terry Pratchett (although they avoid the main mystery so it’s not actually that spoilery, overall). They consider Vimes’s character flaws and how he still manages to be a sympathetic character, debate some of the cruder points of werewolf dating, and manage to agree on how great Nobby Nobbs is. Sara gets to enjoy Vetinari at his best, but still won’t concede Carrot to Lilly for some reason? There’s an awful lot of teasing all around.Thanks...
2022-11-3044 minFiction FansMonsterf*cking feat. Dani FinnYour hosts are serious adults, which means that of course they have to celebrate episode 69 (lol) of Fiction Fans by having author Dani Finn on to talk about some good old fashioned monster fucking. What makes monsterfucking different from monsters fucking? What kinds of monsters count? Could Lilly be more wrong about cryptid origin stories? Your hosts aren’t any kind of expert, but along with Dani they tackle these questions and more. You probably figured it out by now, but this episode has even more adult content than usual. NSFW for sure.Thanks to the...
2022-11-231h 08Fiction FansMaskerade by Terry PratchettYour hosts fail at basic movie trivia in their discussion of “Maskerade” by Terry Pratchett. They discuss how the book’s heroine defies the expectations of those around her, manipulative witches, and the Opera House as a character. They also argue about which death is the saddest. Sara commandeers a Words are Weird segment to talk about Nanny Ogg’s cookbook, The Joy of Snacks.Thanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Amarià for the use of “Sérénade à Notre Dame de Paris”- Josh Woodward...
2022-11-1649 minFiction FansSole Survivor by Dean Koontz, feat. The Fantasy FilesThis episode contains discussion of child abuse and self harm.Your hosts are joined by Spencer and Gabe of The Fantasy Files to talk about the thriller Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz. The new readers share what they guessed happened while the re-readers gleefully picked up on new hints. This doesn’t come up in the episode but yes, Sara was kind of freaked out the first time she got on an airplane after reading this book. They also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Koontz's thoughtful, although occasionally dated, efforts at representation. Fin...
2022-10-261h 34Fiction FansRing Shout by P. Djèlí ClarkYour hosts kill their demons in this discussion of “Ring Shout” by P. Djèlí Clark. They talk about the joys (and horror) of horror, how much Lilly loves the 20s (it’s relevant, we promise) and get a bit distracted by a conversation regarding body horror and ableism (not actually relevant to “Ring Shout” at all, but still interesting). This episode also includes a Words Are Weird and hilarious clothing assumptions.Thanks to the following musicians for the use of their songs:- Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeodLicensed...
2022-10-1258 minFiction FansThe Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila HarrisIn the first Spooky Month episode of the year, your hosts discuss The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Harris. They are challenged by the genre conventions of this novel and the brutal experiences of people of color in the publishing industry. Sara remains Not A Horror Reader, and Lilly puts her foot in her mouth probably at least once. This episode also features a Pet Peeve Corner that could have been avoided if Lilly knew she could have turned off the popular highlights feature on kindle.Thanks to the following musicians for...
2022-10-0548 minFiction FansThe Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienYour hosts discuss a childhood classic, The Hobbit. Turns out, it’s pretty different from Lord of the Rings. They talk a lot about Tolkien and dwarves and how Bilbo is just like you and me (or, Sara and Lilly, at least). They also spend a lot of time defending the Hobbit movie trilogy. The new tv show “Rings of Power” comes up despite good intentions. “Worms” features in this episode’s segment of Worms are Weird. Big huge thank you to Fellowship! The Musical Parody of Fellowship of the Ring, for use of their song “Happy Birthday Bilbo”...
2022-09-211h 28Fiction FansAuthor Interview: Aerovoyant by P.L. TavorminaYour hosts are joined by Patty Tavormina to discuss her novel Aerovoyant, which is science fiction that gets the facts spot-on for all of the terrifying parts (like climate change). They talk about merging storytelling with informative science and how her background in planetary and geological sciences was the foundation for this world. They also bring up heartbreaking families and triumphant character growth. Lilly has also now developed an obsession with Blue Dragons If you want to read more from Patty, her website is https://pltavormina.com/You can also find her on twitter at h...
2022-09-0744 minFiction FansThe Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon by K.R.R.LockhavenYour hosts were thrilled to finally talk about “The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon” by KRRLockhaven. They discuss emotional breadth, having cozy moments without being “cozy fantasy,” and the high stakes of personal loss. They also visit the pet peeve corner, where Sara complains about how no one but Lockhaven seems to have figured out an enjoyable way to include songs in books (yes, we’re looking at you, Tolkien).More from KRRL on Twitterand on his websiteFind the book on Amazon hereThanks to the following musicians...
2022-08-1756 min