Sometimes “cozy” sneaks up on you. A book about war mages? Comforting. A gentle fantasy romance? Overstimulating. Go figure.

In this episode, I’m unpacking my latest reading round-up and diving into how we find comfort in stories that weren’t built to be cozy—and what that says about our brains, habits, and creative needs.

Plus, I’m talking books. Because books are fun.

👉 Inside this episode:

* What makes a book feel cozy even when it isn’t labeled that way

* How personal context changes what seems relaxing

* Why “comfort reads” can look different for every reader

This episode of Author Culture is cozy meets chaos, with plenty of book chat in between.Want more fun author help? Check out my website: https://jiauthor.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

This quarter has been A LOT. From releasing The Veracin Blade during a whirlwind season with my mother-in-law’s health challenges, to finding ways to keep writing even when life felt upside down, I’m unpacking it all. Plus, I share how dictation helped me power through a tough project (Frogs at Noontide), and why sharing your book consistently—without apology—matters more than you think. Stick around for a special treat: a live read-aloud from my latest release!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when K-Pop stardom meets supernatural & urban fantasy action? A spectacularly fun move that works even when it “shouldn’t.” In this episode, Janeen Ippolito and special guest R.J. Metcalf unpack K-Pop Demon Hunters and what it can teach us about storytelling. From genre-bending fun to powerful character arcs, this movie is a case study in how mashups can draw in a wider audience, the potency of character arcs, and why

👉 Inside this episode:

* When open-ended world building actually offers more engagement (and endless YouTube theories about what it really means)

* How cultural perspectives shape reception

* Why authors shouldn’t shy away from complex themes

* The role of character arcs in fan investment

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast offering thoughtful takes, sustainable author tips, and fandom joy to authors everywhere. To receive new posts and support my work, become a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Writing and marketing don’t have to feel overwhelming. In this conversation with E.J. Kitchens, I dig into how simplifying your approach can create more momentum and consistency. We’ll talk about breaking projects into manageable steps, leaning on community support, and making the process fun so you actually want to keep going.

* Simplify your process to stay consistent

* Use the skills you’ve already built in challenging seasons

* Make it fun so you actually want to keep going

Progress doesn’t come from giant leaps—it comes from showing up, one step at a time.

Connect with Janeen - jiauthor.com

Connect with E.J. Kitchens - https://www.ejkitchens.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Tired of one-size-fits-all marketing advice? Same. That’s why in this Author Culture episode, I’m cutting through the noise and showing you how to filter your marketing strategy through your unique motivations - your reason and your why.

We’ll talk about balancing profit goals, reader impact, and personal expression so you can stop stressing about what you “should” do and start leaning into what works for you.

You’ll leave with a better sense of balance—and permission to pursue your unique success.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there,

Being an author isn’t easy—and no, it doesn’t magically get easier with your 5th or 15th book. In this episode, I get honest about my own struggles and why failure doesn’t mean you’re done—it means you’re learning and growing.

Includes:

* How to process feelings without getting stuck

* Why every author faces struggles—yes, even the pros

* The true value of kind, slightly brutal author friends

Tune in and remind yourself: your writing journey is worth it.

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack and get sneak peeks on my latest books and toolkits for authors.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Info-dumps don’t kill stories. Bad info-dumps do.

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the concept of info dumping in writing, particularly in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. She emphasizes the importance of world building and how to effectively incorporate large chunks of information into a narrative without losing reader engagement. Ippolito provides practical tips for authors on how to earn their readers' attention and interest through thoughtful exposition and character perspective.

Mentioned in Episode:

Writing Mistakes Writers Make Info-Dumping: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/writing-mistakes-writers-make-info-dumping

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber and get sneak peeks on my latest books and toolkits for authors.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Superheroes… but make it cozy.

In this episode of Author Culture, I explore the Fantastic Four as a surprising model for cozy storytelling.

Inside:

* How world-building makes or breaks cozy vibes

* Why “flat arcs” still keep readers hooked

* Why coziness is about style as much as setting

* Reader perception is everything

If you’re writing cozy sci-fi or fantasy and want Four Great Tips – plus my informed take on how this adaptation measures up to the 2005 Fantastic Four - this one’s for you.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Writing doesn’t have to be a grind! In this episode of Author Culture, I sit down with E.J. Kitchens—author of fantasy, fairytale, and steampunk adventure with romance—to talk about her journey from reluctant writer to joyful storyteller.

Elizabeth shares:

* How to make writing fun again (yes, even during deadlines)

* The “three Rs” every writer needs for a sustainable career

* Writing in layers to reduce overwhelm and spark new ideas

* Why honest, hard feedback makes your stories shineWhether you’re stuck in writer’s block or just looking for ways to refresh your process, this conversation will leave you ready to create with joy.

Whether you’re stuck in writer’s block or just looking for ways to refresh your process, this conversation will leave you ready to go forth, be awesome, and take on your next book.Don’t forget to grab Elizabeth’s free PDF with 15 tips for overcoming writer’s block and check out her fantastic books.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s just face that dragon head-on: one is obligated to buy our books.

Not our friends. Not our families. Not random internet strangers. Not even that one person who “said they would.”

And while that truth can sting a little… it can also set us free.

Because now the question isn’t “How do I convince people to care?”It’s “How can I have the most fun & satisfaction creating something so good they’ll want to say yes?”

This is your encouragement in the trenches, friends. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also so worth it. Go forth and be awesome.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast that I create to help scifi and fantasy authors just like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorculture.substack.com/subscribe