Shows
Lit LadiesS1 E 17 To Beach Read or not to Beach ReadThis week we talk about Beach Reads! What makes a Beach Read? What books would we take to a beach–mystery, horror, rom com? We talk butterfly-inducing and whether a beach or water setting is required. We give the books we’re planning to read over summer, as well as some of our favorite beach reads! Also, since it’s the last episode of our first season, we talk favorite moments, hardest part of a podcast, and a few teasers for Season 2 of the Lit Ladies!Find the Lit Ladies on Insta...
2025-05-1642 min
Lit LadiesS1 E16 Domestic Suspense and Emotional Equity: with Guest Kristine DelanoOn today’s episode, we talk with author Kristine Delano about her debut novel. She writes domestic suspense and psychological thrillers, with a novel coming out in January 2026: The Lies We Trade.Kristine worked on Wall Street for several years and knows the ins and outs of high finance. She utilizes her real-life knowledge to craft thrilling stories. We talk about interiority, emotional equity, layered characters, her writing journey, writer’s groups, and of course some tips she’s learned along the way!Kristine empathizes with women and all they must juggle, and works to write...
2025-04-251h 05
Lit LadiesS1 E15 April Showers: Books That Make Us CryDo you read sad books? Join our discussion as we talk through sad books, books that made us think, books that made us cry, and whether we *should* read sad books.We talk: upmarket fiction, literary fiction, genre fiction, what makes a "romance" book, and more!We want to know your thoughts: does a romance book need a "HEA" to be considered romance? Join along and let us know what you think! Me Before You by Jojo MoyesNature of Love by Toni ShilohThe...
2025-04-1148 min
Lit LadiesS1 E14 Gothic Fantasy and the Victorian Era with Scholar and Author Tess BentleyJoin us on this magical journey through time! We discuss everything from Victorian Literature to Gothic Lit and even Britney Spears!Tess's novel, Vale, is an epic fantastical adventure with a heavy dose of historical fiction. We chat the motivation behind Tess's writing, the location (ALL the British feelings!), the difference between life now and life in the past, and of course a TON about Charlotte Bronte.You won't want to listen to this fantastic interview, and check out Tess's work!https://tessbentley.com/Instagram,Books Referenced...
2025-03-281h 02
Lit LadiesS1 E13 Dragons, Teen Fiction, & the Spiritual Dimension of Fantasy with Author Rachelle NelsonThis week we take a deep dive into a fantastical fantasy world! Author Rachelle Nelson discusses:*The truth behind her stories*Lessons for teens *Good guy vs. bad guy in fiction*Fantasy world building*Soft magic vs. hard magic*The difference between being wanted and being loved. You won't want to miss the story behind her journey to publication, inspiration, favorite mythical creatures, and more. Purchase Sky of Seven Colors and her newest, Embergold! Follow R...
2025-03-141h 02
Lit LadiesS1 E12 Perseverance and Historical Romance with KyLee WoodleyThis week we tackle the topic of perseverance with historical fiction writer KyLee Woodley. Her debut novel recently released, and we discuss history, inspiration, writing, rejection, research, waiting, and SO MUCH MORE!One of our favorite writing resources came up; be sure to check out The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. This is full of gems for readers and writers alike. Get a glimpse into KyLee's process and be sure to check out her newest book!The Bandit's Redemption, by KyLee...
2025-02-2859 min
Lit LadiesS1 E11 Romance Tropes We Love (and Hate!)The month of love continues and we take a DEEP dive into romance tropes we LOVE (and hate)! Of course we all have different takes on these hot topics that are all over the literary world! What works, what doesn't, what's overdone? Listen and chime in!Love triangles, friends to lovers, fish out of water, brother's best friend, manic pixie dream girl, rivals to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, love at first sight, Byronic hero, single dad, age gap, nanny, billionaire romance...we chat about them all! Books we mention:
2025-02-1459 min
Lit LadiesS1 E10 Love is in the Air: With Romance Author Pepper BashamIt’s the month of love, and we are chatting romance with a queen of Christian romance, Pepper Basham! We talked about favorite romance tropes, the books she’s written, readers’ favorites and more. We also heard a bit about her writing journey and how God has worked in His perfect timing.
Connect with Pepper:
@pepperbasham, https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham https://pepperdbasham.com/
Search for Pepper's books here!
We talk about:
Closet kisses...Easter Eggs!
Why are romance b...
2025-01-3154 min
Lit LadiesS1 E9 Reading GoalsIt's the start of the year and today we're talking about reading goals, past and present. Join along for our conversation as we discuss:
Do we set reading goals? If so, why or why not?
How do we find time to read?
Does "skimming" count as reading?
Is "listening" to an audiobook reading?
Are there drawbacks to setting reading goals?
Do YOU set reading goals each year? Let us know!
Find the Lit Ladies on Instagram:
@karissariffel.books ; https://karissariffel.substack.com/
2025-01-1746 min
Lit LadiesS1 E8 So You Want to Write?It's January--the time of year we all have resolutions. If you're a writer or aspiring writer, you won't want to miss this episode. Packed with a bunch of practical tips from writers at various stages, you'll get some ideas to implement right away!
We discuss:
How often to write
Plotting vs. Pantsing
Writing programs and platforms
What general writing tips DON'T work
How to manage writing when life gets stressful
AND MORE!
Find the Historical Bookworm Podcast, mentioned here:
https://historicalbookworm.com/subscribe-to-podcast-2/
2025-01-031h 08
Lit LadiesS1 E7 BONUS Crossover Episode with Booked Solid Podcast!Episode Description
For our first-ever crossover episode, we are thrilled to share this timely convo with our friends at Booked Solid Podcast!
Join Han & Steph as they chat about all things books! With a fresh and fun perspective, you’ll hear from your favorite authors, Bookstagrammers, and publishing professionals! Both Hannah & Stephanie are clean romance authors and Bookstagrammers with a heart for sharing good, clean reads that spread joy!
Tune in today as we take turns spotlighting major trends we observe in the current book world—and hash out whether they...
2024-12-201h 11Lit LadiesS1 E6 Christmas Dopamine and the Holidays in Louisiana with Special Guests Betsy St. Amant and Morgan Tarpley SmithJoin us as we talk Christmas books and seasonal favorites. With special guests Betsy St. Amant and Morgan Tarpley Smith, we dive into their holiday book A Louisiana Christmas to Remember .
Fake dating, Christmas dopamine, hurricane impact, the never-before-heard story of the PINEAPPLE... and favorite settings make their way into the conversation. Follow our guests for more fun book info:
@morgantarpleysmith, www.morgantarpleysmith.com
@betsystamanthaddox, https://betsystamant.com/
Let us know--Have you seen the movie Holiday in Handcuffs?
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and lov...
2024-12-061h 02Lit LadiesS1 E5 Family, Feasts, and FictionWelcome to our festive Thanksgiving episode! Join us as we discuss a range of topics--feasts, food, and family in our favorite fictional worlds! Of course, we learned a whole lot about each other and how we celebrate the holidays. Come along with us for the journey!
We'd love to know...
What does BBQ mean to you, where you live?
Do you eat acorn squash?
And do you have Bojangles?
@karissariffel.books ; https://karissariffel.substack.com/
@christie_b_kern_writes ; https://www.christiebkern.com/
@kellyborjaswrites ;...
2024-11-2243 minLit LadiesS1 E4 Books to Fall For: Cozy to Spooky and Everything in BetweenThis episode contains book recs for the season! We have a spectrum of options for you to choose! Come along as we talk through some of our favorites!
@karissariffel.books ; https://karissariffel.substack.com/
@christie_b_kern_writes ; https://www.christiebkern.com/
@kellyborjaswrites ; https://www.kellyborjas.com/
Here are some of our favorites:
Light and "clean" fall-themed books:
Just Don't Fall, Emma St. Clair
Can't Help Falling, Courtney Walsh
The Madwoman Upstairs, Catherine Lowell
Slightly Spooky, Christian:
2024-11-0852 minLit LadiesS1 E3 Should Christians Read Horror?Join us as we talk through this spooky topic! We'll talk through what makes this genre unique, the difference between horror and terror, catharsis, our first horror movie experiences, and so much more!
We want to know: have you heard of the "final girl" trope?
Take a look at Karissa's Substack article for lots of additional thoughts: https://karissariffel.substack.com/p/why-i-write-horror-as-a-christian
@karissariffel.books ; https://karissariffel.substack.com/
@christie_b_kern_writes ; https://www.christiebkern.com/
@kellyborjaswrites ; https://www.kellyborjas.com/
2024-10-2542 minLit LadiesS1E2: The State of Christian FictionIn this episode, we discuss our opinions on the state of Christian fiction. We cover a brief history of Christian fiction, talk what trends we're liking, and cast our hopes and predictions for the market! Where did it start? How has it changed? Does it need to have a salvation narrative to be considered Christian? Listen to this week's episode to hear our thoughts.
Spoiler! We want more romantasy!
@karissariffel.books ; https://karissariffel.substack.com/
@christie_b_kern ; https://www.christiebkern.com/
@kellyborjaswrites ; https://www.kellyborjas.com/
2024-10-1153 minLit LadiesS1E1: For The BooksIn our first episode, we talk about our fiction favorites, a bit about ourselves, books that formed us, and our writing genres. We're so excited to start the Lit Ladies Literary Journey with you!
@litladiespod
Follow our individual writing endeavors below and on social media:
https://karissariffel.substack.com/ ; @karissariffel.books
https://www.christiebkern.com/ ; @christie_b_kern
https://www.kellyborjas.com/; @kellyborjaswrites
2024-09-2937 min