Shows
Book Shop Chats:Crafting Worlds and Killers: The Journey of Fantasy Author Rhiannon RollnessFantasy author Rhiannon Rollness takes us on a journey through the creation of her dark fantasy novel "Black and Blue Widow" - a story about a female serial killer who targets the worst men in her society on their wedding night. Drawing inspiration from the TV show Dexter but set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Rome, Rhiannon crafts a protagonist you can't help but root for.Book blurb:Gild by Raven Kennedy meets a female version of Dexter in this gritty dark romantasy...2025-06-2734 min
Book Shop Chats:The Messy Journey to Publishing: Crafting Rom-Coms & Finding Your Voice with Lily ParkerLily Parker shares her journey from secret writer to published author with three rom-coms releasing in rapid succession in 2024. Her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of writing communities, and embracing vulnerability provide inspiring guidance for aspiring authors.• Struggled with imposter syndrome before admitting her dream of becoming a published author• Formed essential writing partnerships by sharing early chapters with trusted beta readers• Used her background in psychology and marketing to develop authentic characters and compelling stories• Found unexpected success when a chance meeting at a self-publishing conference led to a three-book deal2025-06-2535 min
Book Shop Chats:Behind the Pages: Legal Drama to Literary Debut with Victor SuthammanontVictor Suthammanont shares his journey from aspiring playwright to debut novelist with "Hollow Spaces," a dual-timeline thriller about a man acquitted of murder and his children who, decades later, attempt to determine his true guilt or innocence.• Former actor and current lawyer who balanced creative writing throughout his career• Drew inspiration from a New York Times article about a man whose life was ruined despite being acquitted of murder• Explores intergenerational trauma and what we inherit from our parents• Writing process involves "pantsing" (discovery writing) for most of the book before outlining the final quarter2025-06-2025 min
Book Shop Chats:Paranormal Chronicles: Inside the Alex McKenna SeriesVicki Ann Bush returns to discuss her Alex McKenna paranormal YA series, exploring how she develops this gifted psychic protagonist through increasingly darker supernatural mysteries across multiple books.Author BioOriginally from New York, Vicki-Ann currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. Writing Young Adult paranormal, she finds inspiration from events that have been in her life for as long as she can remember. Inheriting the sensitivity to the supernatural from her family, they continue to be an endless source of vision.Released in September 2023 by Creative James Media, the...2025-06-1839 min
Book Shop Chats:Uncovering Rose Valland: The Forgotten Fighter Who Saved Europe's Art with Michelle YoungMichelle Young unveils the extraordinary story of Rose Valland, an art historian and resistance spy who gathered intelligence for the Monuments Men during WWII Paris. She explores how this highly decorated war hero faded into obscurity despite her crucial role in tracking Nazi-looted art across Europe.Book Blurb: A riveting and stylish saga set in Paris during World War II, The Art Spy uncovers how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world's most treasured masterpieces.On August 25, 1944, Rose Valland, a woman of q...2025-06-1333 min
Book Shop Chats:Where Do Stories Come From? A Chat with Fantasy Author Erica Rose EberhartVictoria and fantasy author Erica Rose Eberhart discuss the delicate balance between creating books, promoting them, and maintaining creative energy while avoiding burnout.• Erica shares details about her debut novel "Tarnished" and the upcoming releases in her Elder Tree series• The importance of scheduling intentional breaks and "blackout dates" to prevent creative burnout• How stepping away from social media can actually spark creativity and new book ideas• Embracing the natural evolution of writing skills and letting go of perfectionismAbout the author:Erica Rose Eberhart is a neurodivergent, disabled writer o...2025-06-1140 min
Book Shop Chats:Write Now or Never: Publishing Through Pandemic & Perseverance with Selina VioletSelena Violet shares the journey of her romance trilogy "What We Can't Have," which started as a poem she wrote for her middle school students and evolved into a three-book series about characters connected by one life-changing song.• Story revolves around college students Sidney and Austin who reluctantly partner on a music project• The trilogy follows their "When Harry Met Sally" dynamic with a guaranteed HEA at the end• Features a plus-size protagonist who faces self-image challenges without focusing on dieting• First book in the series ends on a cliffhanger, with the full arc resolvin...2025-05-2832 min
Book Shop Chats:Book Magic: Writing, Marketing, and Finding Your Voice with DanielleDanielle, author and visibility strategist, shares her journey of re-releasing her book "Beauty in the Breaking" with a new perspective gained from her own healing journey. Her approach balances heavy topics like trauma, domestic violence, and PTSD with hope, demonstrating how characters can overcome their past.• Revising a previously published book after personal growth and healing• Using storytelling to show readers they're not alone in their trauma• Creating relatable characters who move from trauma to healing• Finding a marketing framework that works across industries while remaining flexible• Choosing 1-2 social platforms you genuinely enjoy rath...2025-05-2329 min
Book Shop Chats:Behind the Fantasy: Creating Magic and Monsters with Brittany RanewVictoria Jane speaks with fantasy author Brittany Renew about her new adult romantic fantasy series "Riley Jordan and the Fire Prophecies" and the creative process behind building magical worlds. Brittany shares how a dream in 2009 sparked her entire series concept, which she describes as "Percy Jackson meets Narnia, but for grown-ups."• Book one "Lion of Fire" features college-age characters, slow-burn romance, elemental magic, and dragons• Main character Riley Jordan is a wizard about to graduate college who hasn't discovered his special magical gift• Brittany took 10 years from finishing her first draft to independently publishing in Oct...2025-05-2126 min
Book Shop Chats:Author Khushi T Saha on Breaking Cultural Barriers in RomanceKhushi T Saha joins Victoria to discuss her steamy romance novel "Free Fall" and her journey writing authentic stories that explore the South Asian-American experience.• Writing romance with South Asian representation that explores identity and finding love• Balancing between two cultures and navigating different expectations for women and men• The challenges of writing from a male perspective for the first time• How a vivid dream during a personal crisis sparked her writing career• The reality of marketing as an indie author while balancing other responsibilities• The freedom of self-publishing to tell authentic cultural sto...2025-05-1634 min
Book Shop Chats:Between Romance and Mystery: The Art of Blending Genres with Ashley HawthorneAshley Hawthorne reveals her journey from writing fan fiction during COVID lockdowns to becoming a published author of contemporary romantic suspense novels. She discusses how finding an online writing community transformed her passion into a sustainable career.• Found a supportive Discord server with experienced authors who guided her publishing journey• Writes contemporary romantic suspense where "romance drives the plot and the mystery adds to the stakes"• Published with a small press that handles covers and editing while giving her creative input• Uses the mantra "firm in goals, flexible in methods" to balance writing with homescho...2025-05-1435 min
Book Shop Chats:When Characters Surprise You: Dustin Archibald's Journey from Comic Books to NovelsDustin Archibald takes us into the world of the Asha Anderson series, where a teen girl discovers she has superpowers in a world without superheroes and must learn through trial and error alongside her friends.• Teen protagonist Asha must navigate newfound powers without mentors or guides• Series combines superhero elements with relatable teenage struggles like bullying and family issues• Author's background as both comic book writer and computer programmer influences the storytelling• Characters drive the narrative, with some even surprising the author during the writing process• Finding a "flow state" helps overcome writer's block and...2025-05-0933 min
Book Shop Chats:How Hockey Practice Became the Birthplace of a Greek Mythology Novel with Lore WrenLori Wren shares how a trip to Pompeii inspired her mythological retelling "Meddromeda," which she wrote primarily in her phone's notes app during her children's hockey practices. • Reimagining Medusa's story from a more compassionate perspective, showing humanity before monstrosity• Navigating the self-publishing process as a newcomer to the industry• Building unexpected international connections with readers who resonated with the story• The importance of community support from other authorsIf you are a writer or author in need of a developmental editor, reach out to Victoria Jane Editorial. Everything is linked in the show not...2025-05-0721 min
Book Shop Chats:Why Every Writer Should Embrace Their Unique Voice and Story with EneweromeNigerian Christian romance author Enewerome shares her journey from childhood stories to publishing her debut novel "Ready to be Loved by You" while navigating international publishing challenges. Her passion, persistence, and faith-based approach to storytelling demonstrate how indie authors can overcome obstacles through consistency and confidence in their unique vision.• Started writing at age 15 with a YA novella shared among classmates before taking breaks to focus on education and career• Returned to writing after feeling divinely led to tell this specific romance story• Emphasizes that marketing is "a marathon not a sprint" requiring patience and persis...2025-04-2526 min
Book Shop Chats:Rejection-Proof: How to Keep Writing When No One's Saying Yes with Dan Desai MartinDan Desai Martin shares his debut fantasy novel "In the Shadow of the Sanctum" and discusses his ten-year journey from idea to publication with Gold Dust Publishing.• Dan's background in religious studies heavily influenced his world-building• Fantasy allows creators to explore complex religious and societal dynamics in unique settings• Rejection is part of the process and doesn't reflect on your worth as a writer• Small press publishing creates opportunities to connect with fellow authors• Writing requires patience and celebrating small milestones along the way• Two key pieces of advice: "just write" and ignore a...2025-04-2334 min
Book Shop Chats:Finding Yourself Through Fiction: How Writing Saved a Stay-at-Home Mom with Amanda StaceyVictoria Jane welcomes author Amanda Stacey to discuss her reimagined Lilith story, the journey from stay-at-home mom to published author, and the unexpected self-discovery that came from creating a strong female protagonist.• Amanda's book features Lilith as a monster hunter in a dual-timeline narrative that explores her history and present• The real monsters in her story are often ordinary men rather than supernatural creatures• Writing became Amanda's lifeline during a period of depression and isolation as a stay-at-home mother• Creating a strong, independent protagonist helped Amanda discover her own inner strength• Self-publishing requires building a...2025-04-1837 min
Book Shop Chats:Dragon Riders and Western Romance: Maggie Hoopis's UniverseVictoria Jane welcomes Maggie Hoopis to discuss her debut novel "Grace of Dragons," a genre-blending Western romantasy featuring dragons instead of horses and a strong female lead who knows exactly who she is.• "Grace of Dragons" combines Western elements with fantasy and romance• Maggie created the book as a "palette cleanser" between heavier reads• Writing process influenced by Rebecca Ross's Writer's Conservatory class• Character-driven plotting and improv techniques shape Maggie's storytelling approach• Balancing motherhood and writing requires flexibility rather than rigid routines• "Quilting" approach to writing - working on different parts as inspiration...2025-04-1642 min
Book Shop Chats:From Fandoms to Romance: Writing Love Stories for Geeks and Nerds with Jasmine C. CaldwellVictoria welcomes Jasmine C Caldwell to discuss her eleven published books and her mission to flip tired romance tropes on their head. Jasmine shares how frustration with the "nerdy girl makeover" narrative inspired her Geek Girl Squad series featuring confident women with their own fandoms who expect men to prove they're "nerdy enough" to date them.• Writing romance for "geeks and nerds" across multiple subgenres including contemporary, fantasy, and romantic suspense• Creating characters who embrace their authentic interests rather than changing to find love• How Jasmine incorporates different fandoms (anime, D&D, comics, video games) into h...2025-04-1125 min
Book Shop Chats:From Regency Romance to NYT's Best Books: J.M Frey's Writing AdventureFriends this episode is full of wisdom! Grab an iced coffee and get your steps in. J.M Frey shares the extraordinary journey of her latest novel "Time and Tide," a sapphic Regency romance that made the New York Times Best Romance Books of the Year list after a 16-year path to publication.• From idea to New York Times recognition: how a visit to the Jane Austen Center sparked a time-slip romance concept• Why traditional publishing requires patience—Time and Tide went through 17+ drafts before publication• Fan fiction as valuable training ground for developi...2025-04-0956 min
Book Shop Chats:Writing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: K.C. Harper's Publishing PathVictoria Jane welcomes fantasy and contemporary romance author KC Harper to discuss her publishing journey and creative process. Casey shares insider perspectives on traditional publishing, genre-switching, and character development techniques while revealing both the rewards and challenges of the author life.• From voracious reader to published author after a simple challenge from her husband• Working with an editorial agent who helps polish manuscripts before submission• The terrifying acquisition process where "money people" decide a book's fate • Switching genres provides creative refreshment from complex world-building• Reading your own manuscript 6,000 times before publication• Creating characters wi...2025-04-0441 min
Book Shop Chats:From Twilight Fans to Novelists: Amanda and Lisa Marie's Journey of Co-Writing, Creative Challenges, and Book PromotionCollaboration can be a powerful catalyst for creativity, as Amanda and Lisa Marie share in this episode about their journey of writing a book together. They delve into the dynamics of co-authoring, navigating marketing challenges, and the importance of supporting each other in both writing and in-person events.• Exploring the process of co-writing and its benefits • Discussing their unique characters and different writing perspectives • How their Twilight fandom turned into a writing partnership • Challenges and joys of marketing as indie authors • Balancing writing with family life and personal commitments • Embracing vulnerability in in-person events...2025-03-2828 min
Book Shop Chats:The Transformative Power of Storytelling: A Journey with Author Amy VogelWhat if storytelling could be your path to healing and transformation? Amy's candid revelations about how writing has been her therapeutic outlet highlight the profound cathartic power of storytelling, and she offers insights into her prolific year, which also saw the release of "The Assist," a spicy soccer romance, and a novella within the Teleosis universe.We also discuss the unique perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to the storytelling process, enriching it with their distinct voices. As indie authors often bear the marketing mantle alone, Amy shares practical advice on building meaningful connections over mere sales and...2025-03-2634 min
Book Shop Chats:Mastering the Art of the Thrill with Rami UngerStep into the shadowy world of horror writing as Rami Unger takes us on his spine-chilling journey from a young Stephen King enthusiast to a master of the macabre. Discover how a fateful encounter with "It" at the age of 11 ignited his passion for horror, setting him on the path to becoming a celebrated author. With his upcoming book, "Symphony for Walpurgis," on the horizon, listen to Rami's reflections on the rewarding experience of hearing from fans who are thrilled, yet delightfully unnerved by his work.Beyond the pages, we explore innovative strategies for marketing books in...2025-03-2127 min
Book Shop Chats:Exploring Trad publishing & self publishing with Kelly OhlertJoin us as we chat with author Kelly Ohlert who shares her personal journey through both traditional and self-publishing. Discover the intricacies of these two paths and what it truly takes to maintain your connection with readers while juggling life's many responsibilities.Kelly highlights the invaluable role of critique partners and the growth that stems from mutual support and honest feedback. For writers struggling to find the right routine, Kelly offers inventive strategies to weave writing into even the busiest schedules. About Kelly: Kelly Ohlert is a romance author, who grew up in t...2025-03-1928 min
Book Shop Chats:Transformative Storytelling and Genre Exploration with Adam BassettVictoria chats with Adam Bassett about his latest book release, focusing on the importance of community within the indie author space and the journey from short stories to full novels. Adam shares valuable insights on marketing, creative exploration, and the unique challenges indie authors face in the publishing world. • Adam shares the evolution of his latest book from a short story collection • The significance of community and author connections • Creative experimentation in exploring various genres • Insights on effective marketing strategies for indie authors • Reflections on personal growth through reading and writing • Encouragement for...2025-02-2137 min