Bibliophile Breakdown

Author S.T. Ashman joins Bibliophile Breakdown to talk about her thriller Her Silence, a story filled with family secrets, justice, and unexpected twists.

We dive into creating multi-generational characters, developing Nicole and her family, building plot twists that keep readers engaged, and the creative process behind bringing a complicated family story to life. S.T. also shares the realities of indie publishing, book marketing, and how Bookstagram and social media can help independent authors connect with readers.

📱 Follow S.T. Ashman: https://www.instagram.com/stashmanauthor/
🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.ashmanbooks.com/

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📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

Courtney shares her journey from graphic designer to bookish artist, her creative process, and her experience working with FairyLoot and the Bookstagram community. We talk book art, illustration, independent creators, author support, book conventions, and balancing a full-time career with creative passion projects.

📚 Follow Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/books_to_gym_by/

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📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What came before the Four Monkey Killer?

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, we go beyond the pages with bestselling thriller author J.D. Barker to talk about The First Scarlet Door, the prequel to his acclaimed The Fourth Monkey series.

J.D. Barker takes us behind the scenes of writing a prequel from a killer's perspective, developing characters across multiple timelines, and creating the intricate details and psychological twists that make a thriller impossible to put down.

We also talk about the upcoming Fourth Monkey TV adaptation, what changes when a bestselling book makes the jump from page to screen, and why J.D. prefers the storytelling possibilities of an episodic series.

Plus, J.D. shares insights into his writing process, real-world psychology, character motivation, Easter eggs, continuity across a series, and the challenge of making readers feel empathy for a character they absolutely shouldn't.

In this episode:

• The story behind The First Scarlet Door
• Writing a prequel from the killer's perspective
• The origins and development of the Fourth Monkey series
• The upcoming The Fourth Monkey TV adaptation
• Turning a thriller series from books into television
• Character development and psychological motivation
• Writing across multiple timelines
• Building detailed thriller plots and Easter eggs
• J.D. Barker's writing process
• Creating empathy for an unforgettable killer

Books discussed:
📖 The First Scarlet Door
📖 The Fourth Monkey / 4MK series

Come for the killer. Stay for the psychology.

Bibliophile Breakdown is where we go beyond the pages—because the last page isn't the last word.

🖋️ J.D. Barker's website: https://jdbarker.com/

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I sit down with indie thriller author Tayanna Marrie to discuss her debut novel, Never Forgotten. Tayanna shares the real-life stalking experience that inspired the story, how she approached writing about kidnapping and survival with authenticity, and the research that went into police procedures, investigations, and multiple character perspectives.

Follow Tayanna Marrie:
📚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.m.author/
💌 Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/XuLoGxTi0p

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when the picture-perfect life of a 1950s housewife begins to unravel?

This week on Bibliophile Breakdown, I'm joined by Meagan Church, author of The Mad Wife, to discuss the chilling history that inspired her novel. We explore women's healthcare in the 1950s, postpartum depression, lobotomies, historical research, and how Meagan blends psychological suspense with historical fiction to tell a story that feels just as relevant today.

Referenced in this episode:
📖 Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DamFcyFEQH8/?img_index=1
📱 Follow Meagan: https://www.instagram.com/mchurchwriter/
🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.meaganchurch.com/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when a horror-loving reader turns their passion for scary stories into a space for connection, conversation, and community?

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I'm joined by Christi to talk about her journey as a Bookstagram creator, her love of horror literature, and why the stories that scare us can often help us understand ourselves better.

We dive into what draws readers to horror, how scary stories help us process emotions and explore difficult topics, the power of the horror community, and what it’s like building a platform around a shared love of books. Christi also shares her perspective on the Bookstagram community, finding your people online, and why horror continues to bring readers together.

Whether you’re a lifelong horror fan, looking for your next spooky read, or simply love discovering the people behind the bookish accounts you follow, this conversation is full of thoughtful discussion, laughs, and plenty of horror recommendations.

Follow Christi:

📚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadly_bookish/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

Debut author L.A. Rivera joins Bibliophile Breakdown to discuss Beneath a Black Flag, a romantic fantasy adventure inspired by a love of pirates, immersive storytelling, and cinematic video games like Assassin's Creed and Uncharted.

L.A. shares how she developed Kai, Rosalind, and the unforgettable cast that brings her world to life, why every character and plot point serves a purpose, and how she approaches twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. We also talk about overcoming writer's block, building compelling fantasy worlds, creating found family dynamics, and what it's like launching a debut novel as an indie author.

Whether you're a fan of romantasy, pirate adventures, fantasy world-building, or you're an aspiring writer looking for inspiration, this conversation offers an inside look at the creative process behind Beneath a Black Flag.

Follow L.A. Rivera here: https://www.instagram.com/thebookwormreadingnook/
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Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when a passionate reader and Bookstagram creator opens an independent bookstore?

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I'm joined by Katie, owner of The Freckled Page, to talk about her journey from book influencer to bookstore owner.

We dive into the realities of running an indie bookstore, how she curates the books on her shelves, the importance of supporting independent authors, and what it's really like balancing a love of reading with the demands of owning a small business.

Whether you've dreamed of opening a bookstore, love supporting indie bookshops, or simply enjoy talking books, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and plenty of bookish discussion.

Follow The Freckled Page:

📚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreckledpage/

🌐 Website: https://www.thefreckledpage.com/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What happens when history, belief, power, and fear collide in a story? 📚

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author Linda Hamilton to discuss her novel The Fourth Wife and the research, history, and personal exploration behind the story.

Linda shares insights into the world of Mormon polygamy, its hierarchical structures, and the cultural implications that inspired her writing. We discuss the ways historical and religious trauma can shape storytelling, how horror can be used to explore difficult subjects, and the process of transforming real-world experiences and research into fiction.

We also talk about Linda’s writing journey, the themes behind The Fourth Wife, and she may or may not give listeners a glimpse into what’s coming next. 👀

📚 Stay up to date with Linda Hamilton:
https://linktr.ee/lindahamiltonwriter

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

What inspires the stories that keep readers turning pages—and what goes into bringing a horror community together? 📚🩸

In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author Brandon Eldridge to discuss his novels, his writing process, and the inspiration behind the stories he creates.

Brandon shares insights into his journey as an author, the ideas that shape his work, and what readers can look forward to next. We also talk about ShiverCon, an upcoming horror event bringing together fans and creators on August 14–15.

Whether you’re a fan of horror, interested in the craft of writing, or looking for your next bookish event, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and community connections.

📚 Learn more about ShiverCon:
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/brandon-eldridge-presents-shiv/1691771674836255
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivercon2026/

📚 Follow Brandon Eldridge:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beldridgeauthor/

🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile