Book Thingo

Award-winnining New Zealand author Nalini Singh joins us to talk about changelings, spin-offs, and an intriguing new book that she hasn't started yet (but we already want to read!). She's the author I recommend for readers who haven't discovered the joys of paranormal romance yet.

Managing editor Kate Cuthbert talks about her reputation for dropping dirty words at literary panels (and why she loves the C-word), why we rarely see politics in romance fiction, how much luck plays in a book's success, and rom coms as the new chick lit. Kate is currently researching the use of rural places in Australian popular fiction, so I ask her the question every PhD candidate dreads (but don't worry, she has it under control!). She also shares her thoughts on some up and coming authors that you might want to check out.

Long-time friend of the podcast Sarah joins Rudi and Kat to talk about non-traditional romances. What's the appeal of sexy times with multiple partners? What makes for a satisfying threesome HEA? And why is there always that guy who makes sandwiches for everyone when they're done?

Shownotes: http://bookthingo.com.au/podcast

Feedback: [email protected]

Host: Kat Mayo

Audio producer: Rudi Bremer

Recorded: 21/03/2018 Sydney

Romance reader Jothee Belikov talks about going to a strip show in Sydney, being part of the #romanceclass community, and how Twilight opened up the world of reading for her.

Shownotes: http://bookthingo.com.au/podcast

Feedback: [email protected]

Host: Kat Mayo

Audio producer: Rudi Bremer

Recorded: 17/9/2017 Sydney

Romance reader and Book Thingo blogger Vanya Joannidis talks about why she wants strong heroines in romance, her thoughts on Fifty Shades (in which she coins the charming term 'ghost loads'), happy endings as empowering fiction, and her search for billionaire heroines in romance and romances featuring married couples.

Shownotes: http://bookthingo.com.au/podcast

Feedback: [email protected]

Host: Kat Mayo

Audio producer: Rudi Bremer

Recorded: 10/02/2018 Sydney

What better way to celebrate Valentine's (Galentine's) Day than to read from our favourite romance books! We invited our listeners to send in a reading from a favourite book, and we're so excited to present...you! These are your favourite scenes from your favourite books, and today we're celebrating our shared love for romance fiction!

Author and academic Jodi McAlister talks about the GenreWorlds project, studying popular fiction in Australia, her experience as an emerging author of young adult paranormal fiction, upcoming shows in the Bachelor franchise, and what she has learned about royal-themed romance.

Shownotes: http://bookthingo.com.au/podcast

Feedback: [email protected]

Host: Kat Mayo

Audio producer: Rudi Bremer

Recorded: 22/12/2017 Sydney

Librarian and academic Vassiliki Veros talks about her research on how libraries collect romance fiction, and how metadata in catalogue records can affect library practice around these books, including authors' ability to claim their lending rights. She talks about why she loves Mills and Boon romances so much, and we have a friendly disagreement over what constitutes a happy ending in romance. We also discuss serendipitous book discovery, and I find out what librarians REALLY think of sex in the stacks!

Rudi, Gabby and Kat kick off a new year of reading with a list of recommendations. Prepare to one-click!

Gio Gahol, Chachic and Mina V. Esguerra reflect on #romanceclass live readings from different perspectives: as an actor, a reader, and an author. We also talk about cultural barriers for local authors and actors, the importance of Amazon to Filipino romance writers, and finding the people who read their books. We finish with Gio reading an extract from How To Tame Your Tikbalang, an erotic Filipino romance by Alma Anonas-Carpio.