Book Shop Chats:

This episode explores the heartfelt journey of author Stephanie Napolitano and her debut novel, "Pretend for Me." Napolitano discusses the healing power of writing, the importance of healthy relationships in romance, and the transformative journey of creating narratives that resonate with readers' experiences.
 
• Stephanie introduces her book, highlighting themes of love and healing 
• Discussion of the emotional and therapeutic benefits of writing 
• Focus on character depth and authentic connection in storytelling 
• Importance of exploring personal trauma while writing 
• Advice for aspiring authors on overcoming fear and judgment 
• Emphasis on finding a supportive community in the writing world 
• Strategies for creating dynamic and relatable characters

Author bio-
Stephanie is a storyteller blessed (and sometimes cursed) with an overactive imagination. She loves creating flawed characters navigating flawed worlds, crafting stories that make people feel. When she's not writing, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her son, immersing herself in a good book, or exploring nature on long, peaceful walks. After experiencing her own heartbreak, she now writes her own happily-ever-afters, creating worlds where true love and hope are possible.

Book blurb- Cassie had always wanted a family of her own. Growing up in foster care only made her yearn for what she never had: a sense of security, comfort, and love. 

Matthew coveted nothing more than a name: to be somebody to someone. In his pursuit of it, he risked the one person who had always been his real. Real love. Real family.  

Childhood love didn’t stand a chance against the desire for something more. When one of them gets handed the opportunity for a fresh start, it means leaving behind the other.  

An unexpected encounter ten years in the future forces them to face what happens when the lines of real and make believe are crossed. Can they find their way back to one another without pretending?

LINKS

Amazon : https://a.co/d/c3uLyRO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220476845-pretend-for-me

IG:
https://www.instagram.com/snapolitanowrites?igsh=cnphcDdxNmw3ZHRs&utm_source=qr

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

This episode explores the intersection of storytelling, mental health, and genre-blending in literature with author Chloe Spencer. We chat about Chloe's unique approach to writing, the importance of representation in young adult fiction, and the emotional complexities faced by authors in their creative journeys.


About the author:
Minnesota native Chloe Spencer (she/her) is an award winning writer, indie gamedev, and filmmaker. She is the author of multiple sapphic horror novellas, novels, and short stories. In her spare time she enjoys playing video games, trying her best at Pilates, and cuddling with her cats. She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon and an MFA in Film and Television from SCAD Atlanta.
From the author of Monstersona comes a haunting queer young adult novel, with themes of mental health and PTSD, and a thrilling mystery at its core.

Failure is a sinister song. One that Melody Myere is all too familiar with.

The only child of an acclaimed ghost hunter couple, Melody’s First Sacred Hunt should have been a walk in the park. All she needed to do was catch a ghost, like she’s done all her life. But when an unexpected wraith showed up causing havoc, Melody was left scarred and embarrassed.

Suffering from depression and PTSD post-hunt, Melody relocates to the sleepy island town of Murkmore, where her parents have been tasked with capturing the ghost responsible for a series of grisly deaths. Determined to prove herself, and despite her parents' protests, Melody sets out to capture the specter on her own.

When a haunting song lures Melody to an abandoned theater, she encounters a recently deceased musical prodigy by the name of Cyrus. All signs point to Cyrus being the killer, but Melody isn’t so sure, suspecting something more discordant is afoot.

Connect with Chloe:
Main website: https://www.chloespenceronline.com/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/heyitschloespencer.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyitschloespencer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitschloespencer/?hl=en

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

Jana's passion for writing began in her early teenage years, with stories that provided a much-needed escape from reality. Today, writing is not just a hobby but her way of life. As a professional grant writer, she weaves compelling narratives that help non-profits across the country secure vital funding. Fiction writing, however, is her true love, allowing her to infuse excitement and adventure into her readers' lives.

Jana draws endless inspiration from the natural world, finding solace and joy in the great outdoors. An avid enthusiast of rugged landscapes, she thrives on exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula and its breathtaking surroundings. Whether she is mushing through snow-covered trails with her beloved sled dogs or scaling rocky cliffs with her husband, Jana's adventures in the pristine wilderness fuel her creativity and rejuvenate her spirit.

Book title: Sins of the Father- Atonement

Sara Dragen grew up under the shadow of her father's dark deeds, with his control over a legion of supernatural assassins casting a long, ominous shadow over her life. Determined to break free from his legacy, she sets out on a dangerous journey to free her brothers and fight against his tyranny, discovering her true strength and purpose along the way.

Connect with Jana:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/janarobertsauthor/
Website: Jana Roberts - Author

Hi, I’m Victoria—a developmental editor turning busy writers’ drafts into swoon worthy novels that wow readers and leave readers making your book their whole personality. 

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

About the author:

Diane Billas is the author of the YA sapphic contemporary romance novel DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, featured in Parents Magazine, and the YA superhero novel SUPERFICIAL, both with Creative James Media. Her sapphic short story, THE PROM DO-OVER will be featured in the PROM PERFECT anthology, out Spring 2025 with Wild Ink Publishing.

Diane Billas lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When she’s not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once, performing the French horn and piano, or dreaming of the next country she’s going to visit. 

Book blurb: Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea's friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

LINKS:
Website www.dianebillas.com
Bluesky, TikTok, and Facebook @dianebillas,
Instagram/Threads @dianebillaswrites.

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE

📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

Author bio:

Zoe Bell-Kanapaux is a young author from North Texas. When she isn’t writing, she spends her time caring for her beloved chihuahuas.

Book blurbs:

The Axe Forgets What The Tree Remembers-

The story follows Angela Bellfino as she tries to repair her broken relationship with her mother. A complicated past made it difficult for Angela to forgive her mother, even after she is diagnosed with cancer. She finds that the five stages of grief don't really seem to cover any of the "ugly" feelings that she has. Going from one extreme to the other (seething hatred to the need to push the self destruct button) places Angela and everyone around her on a tightrope that continues to wobble. She is left to wonder if she can forgive her mother for the things that she claims never happened, or if she can even navigate in a world without her mother.

Crash-
A medical conference, an audition, a visit with a parent, and a weightlifting competition force four people onto a plane headed toward Miami. When no one arrives at the airport, a nationwide search ensues to find the passengers. Meanwhile, the four people who did survive are fighting for their lives on a deserted island. With each day, they find that there is a strange connection between themselves. Why do they have so much in common? Will they be found and rescued? Can they even live long enough to get off the island? All this and more in "Crash."

Behind Open Eyes-
After receiving a mysterious letter from a local celebrity, Charlotte Bardot (an investigate author) gets a strange feeling that she can't seem to kick. The sender is a former teacher who gained notoriety after he was left for dead on the side of the highway. Now with one person in prison for that crime and another who can't leave her house, Charlotte realizes that there is something deeper going on.

Follow this story of life after grooming and what happens to the men that do these horrible things in "Behind Open Eyes."

Links

Ko-fi.com/zoewritesbooks

Instagram- Zoewritesbooks 

YouTube: Zoewritesbooks

TikTok: Zoewritesbooks

Facebook: Zoe Bell-Kanapaux, Author

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

Ruan Willow is an erotica and spicy romance author who also writes under other pen names for the tropes of hotwife, romantasy/paranormal/magical, and taboo. She loves to write open door stories to give the full story of the relationship between the characters, not a partial view, because so much can be learned about characters when they are in the very vulnerable mental states of intimacy, plus it's super fun to write spicy scenes! She loves to write about characters exploring their sexuality, especially empowered women who boldly embrace sexual exploration and pleasure, with very supportive partners who want the same. She enjoys characters who dare to act out their fantasies and see how much pleasure they can garner for themselves. She tends to write spicy HEA heterosexual stories or multiple partners stories/books, though has written some lesbian stuff as well. She's also a podcaster at Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow Podcast where she shares erotic fiction and erotic romance stories, plus hosts many guests who are experts on topics of sexuality (doctors, professors, coaches, therapists, personalities, performers, and erotic authors). She also is an audiobook narrator/voiceover artist of over 75 books. She is a blogger, influencer, and editor on Medium as well. You can find her ARC's on BookSirens.

Book blurb:

An erotic romantic comedy, a spicy rom com that happens all in a single freezing cold winter day. It’s best to stay inside! But where’s the adventure in that?

Brad and Anna, the playful second marriage newlyweds, have a day of sexy fun planned. Brad loves to pamper, indulge, and pleasure his new wife so a day of erotic playtime is on his agenda. Their burgeoning life together is mirrored by their flirty dance that starts out in the kitchen, where teasing takes charge of the reigns in the special day’s foreplay. Anna’s drive to be the champion is only fueled by Brad’s triumphs, but neither is giving up that quick. They joyfully egg each other on in their frisky seduction of each other.

Links: https://linktr.ee/RuanWillow

http://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

About the author:
Matthew J. Kushin, Ph.D. is the author of Beware the Smart Kids. He’s an award-winning professor, scholar and speaker at Shepherd University. Learn more at MattKushin.com.

Book blurb:

Misfit troublemaker Nolan Sussman badly wants two things before high school ends: the attention of Gabi Meyers and the return of his runaway sister, Sarah. But when his latest prank goes awry, Nolan is nearly expelled. He's forced to spend his summer doing yardwork for Mr. Barno, a reclusive former high school teacher who spent 25 years in prison.

Nolan soon finds that despite the tragic mistake that landed Mr. Barno in prison, the old man has something even more elusive than Gabi and Sarah-happiness. Now, Nolan is determined to learn how to be happy, too. It's his chance to matter. His shot at a future. But secrets in Mr. Barno's past are preventing the once-beloved educator from having the will to ever teach again. Secrets the two outcasts will have to face together.

Links:

Book

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beware-Smart-Kids-Matthew-Kushin/dp/1961504138

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218274736-beware-the-smart-kids

Beware the Smart Kid Reader Resources: MattKushin.com/happiness

Book Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3E7EYlR1hiNusiAs6g23RC

Me:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mjkushin

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

Author Bio:
S. C. Muir is a queer scientist and writer from New York. She has a B.S. in Chemistry from Binghamton University and is pursuing her M.S. in Chemistry. When she can tear herself from a book, S. C. enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and watching TV shows like Schitt's Creek and Our Flag Means Death.

Book blurb:
Marauding insurgents. An innocent life. Married strangers.

Fire and Water, Life and Death. The four types of magic held in perfect balance by the magi who wield them. That harmony shattered when a sorcerer wielding two opposing magics laid waste to the four clans, driving them into isolation.

Now, millennia later, leaders are trying to unite the clans once again. Mari, a Death Mage, is married off to a Fire Prince, Zahir, halfway across the world. Met with outrage and disarray, the pair must learn to navigate a marriage to a stranger and adjust to their sudden rise to King and Queen.

When their coronation is disrupted by violent insurgents, Mari and Zahir discover a horrifying truth: there is someone alive who can wield two types of magic once again. In a race against the clock, they must find the Dual Mage before the insurgents do, else an innocent person will lose their life.

Links

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@scmuir.author?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scmuir.author/?hl=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.C.-Muir/author/B0BFM354M6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Website: scmuirauthor.com 

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE

📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ 1:1 monthly support Writer's Haven: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 Website: https://victoriajaneeditorial.myflodesk.com/links

Bio

Tobie Carter is a fiction writer of contemporary romance stories that speak to the reader's heart and leave them with a story that lingers long after finishing. Her stories are fast-paced, angsty, high heat, and feature relatable characters who refuse to settle for less than they deserve. She lives in Central Texas with her husband and three young children.

Blurb

When Dandelion gets evicted from her gnome workshop, she must rely on her brother's best friend—the guy who broke her heart years ago and got her sent away—to help exact justice. The catch? He needs her to be his fake girlfriend to convince his Nana he's ready to take over the family law firm. This holiday season could bring gifts of love…if they can move on from the past and look to the future.

Links

Buy GNOME ONE LIKE YOU
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tobiecarter.writer/
All LINKS: https://linktr.ee/tobiecarter

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE

📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial

About the stories: 

 
Connect with Adam: https://www.adamcbassett.com

About Victoria:

Hey there, I’m Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!

Here’s how I can help:
📖 FREE Manuscript Prep Workbook: Take the stress out of editing with simple steps to organize your revisions.
Grab it HERE
📝 Developmental Editing: Get expert feedback that elevates your manuscript, strengthens your story, and polishes your characters.
✍️ Creativity Coaching sessions: Revitalize your creativity, map out your novel, and unleash your authentic voice.

Your story deserves to shine, and I’m here to make it happen. Let’s turn your writing dreams into a reality!

📱 IG: @editsbyvictoria
🌐 LINKS: Victoria Jane Editorial