Cliffhangers and Cocktails

Got thoughts? Let us know!

In this episode of Cliffhangers & Cocktails, we interview STEPHANIE MIRRO about writing urban fantasy, Stephanie’s author journey, character development, and the inspiration behind WINGS OF FIRE. We also talk about magical margaritas, share this week’s affirmation, ask some silly supernatural questions, and draw an oracle card.

The full show notes, including recipes for today’s cocktails, are on our website: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/episode-56-stephanie-mirro

Find Stephanie!

• https://www.stephaniemirro.com
• facebook.com/stephaniemirro
• instagram.com/stephaniemirro
• tiktok.com/@stephaniemirroauthor

Get the Priestess Oracle: https://earthmoonmagick.com/products/priestess-oracle-deck

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Today is the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, so in honor that holiday, we’re bringing back our most popular Sabbat episode ever! 

On today's episode, which originally aired in September 2025, we talked a little about the history, celebrations, and themes around the holiday. 

Pour yourself a glass of wine or a Maple Old Fashioned and settle in for a look at the Equinox! (And don’t worry, Southern Hemisphere besties - II’ve got your link to our Ostara episode right here!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/xLUtv6C5pVU

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cliffhangers-and-cocktails/id1790481380?i=1000756120471

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z5AqdqYo7NSwNyDprQ4hE?si=5ebe0a2a45684a46

Other: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episodes/episode/8022d1cd/minisode-13-happy-ostara

Today's deck was the Seasons of the Witch Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/seasons-of-the-witch-mabon-oracle

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-mabon

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

OMFG y'all!

This episode was uploaded about 10 days ago and was supposed to go live on the 15th of September. HOWEVER - apparently, for the first time in ages, I had a tech glitch. And also for the first time in ages, I did not double check that everything worked, so I only noticed when I came back to upload this week's episode. So - you get new stuff two days in a row!

The Kickstarter has been live for a week now and is fully funded and is working towards the awesomesauce stretch goals. Go to the KS site and pledge your support! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arcaneawakenings/arcane-awakenings

***

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa interviews five of the eighteen authors (including our very own Amy Cissell) who are part of the Arcane Awakenings anthology that went live on Kickstarter today!

We also discuss a few magical ways to wake your own creativity, share our magical and mystical drinks, and as always, try to have a few shenanigans.

The full show notes, including recipes for today’s cocktails, are on our website: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/episode-55-arcane-awakenings


Find our Guests!

https://www.instagram.com/author_danielcoolbaugh/
https://www.popskullproductions.com
https://benschenkman.com
https://cthomaslafollette.com
https://amycissell.com
https://thefantasyandscififanaticspod.com

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy Just Say No — to Ghosts! We’re talking spirit-free fun with mocktails.

Not everyone wants to drink all the time. Not everyone drinks. We wanted to make sure to cover sans alcohol drinks that are still totally witchy and 100% spellcraft. Yay, potions!

Now, sit back, grab your fave N/A beverage (ideas in the website show notes), relax, and enjoy a Twist of Magic with Amy & Shéa!

Resources

Portland bars

https://www.ravensmanorexperience.com

https://havalinapdx.com

Julia Halina Hadas: https://witchcraftcocktails.com/mystical-mocktails/

Depression (Wacky) Cake

https://iambaker.net/depression-cake/

https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/tried-true-tuesday-crazy-for-crazywacky/

Mystic Sisters Oracle by Emily Balivet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572817887?

https://emilybalivet.com

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Nobody’s perfect. (Or are they?) In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy sit down to discuss the myth of the perfect first draft in a one-hit wonder episode about writing craft.

This week’s episode was recorded a million years (give or take almost a million years) ago in late 2025 but never saw the light of day. UNTIL NOW. 

Now, while I did consider NOT editing this episode to really share what the first draft of a podcast looks like, I decided against it. 

Please let us know about both your moral outrage AND any resources you use when creating your first drafts!

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfection of #hotmessauthors Amy & Shéa!

Ritual and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-53-episode-53-hotmessauthors

Resources

Why ‘The Perfect First Draft’ is a Myth by Josh Spilker (behind the Medium paywall): https://medium.com/create-make-write/why-the-perfect-first-draft-is-a-myth-adaac2c654ca

Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty%20First%20Drafts.pdf

Write Novels Fast: Down and Dirty Draft: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748PSJJK

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are wrapping up their vacation, so please enjoy your last rerun of the summer! (We’re back September 1 with all new episodes.)

On today's episode, which originally aired in May 2025, we interview author Linda Mercury about her paranormal romance and her oracle deck. Episode 5 was originally released late due to a broken foot (Amy’s). AND GUESS WHAT? Amy just had that same foot x-rayed, almost a full year and a half later, and it is still broken. Now, Linda’s episode was always the plan for this week, so now we’re pretty sure Linda is angry with Amy and cursed her left foot. 

Sigh.

Anyway, please shake yourself up a Clover Club Cocktail, settle back, and enjoy our interview with LINDA MERCURY!

Find all Linda's books AND the deck on her website:  http://lindamercury.com

And find her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/linda_mercury/

Today's deck was the Seasons of the Witch Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/seasons-of-the-witch-ostara-oracle

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-linda-mercury

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are (still) on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not re-edited at all) episodes. 

On today's episode, which originally aired in February 2025, we interview author Tara West about her books "Sugar, Spice, and a Magical Midlife" and "Fuck Off, I'm Fifty."

Find Tara!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarawestauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_west_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/author-tara-west

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-tara-west

Today's Tarot Deck was the Tarot of Aphrodite by Natacha Fromm. https://www.aphroditestudios333.com

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are taking a brief vacation from their summer break to bring you a TOTALITY awesome, brand new, episode.

In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy are talking the total eclipse (totality in Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and points between). This episode features Fun Facts with Amy(™), an eclipse ritual for writers, and of course, a kickass cocktail.

And remember - 

Whether you’re in the path of the eclipse or not, tomorrow’s total eclipse is a great time to rest, reflect, let go of old habits, and set your sights on a new horizon.

Resources

Dark Winds television show: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15017118/

Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee novels: https://www.tonyhillerman.com/books-by-tony-and-anne-hillerman

Candle Colors and magical associations: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/coloured-spell-candle-meanings/

Moonology Oracle Deck by Yasmin Boland, Artwork by Nyx Rowan: https://www.patchworksoul.life/reviews/moonology

Eclipse Info

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html

https://www.space.com/difference-between-total-solar-eclipse-and-annular-solar-eclipse

https://www.sacredmysteries.org/post/spirituality-of-the-solar-eclipse

https://www.seawitchbotanicals.com/blogs/swb/eclipse-season-explained

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipses_in_mythology_and_culture

https://www.fromthenocturne.com/p/2024-solar-eclipse-ritual

https://www.pujapurohit.co.uk/blog/surya-grahan:-a-vedic-perspective-on-the-solar-eclipse

https://stylecaster.com/lists/solar-eclipse-rituals/use-tarot-cards-or-other-divination-forms/

Benefits of Fangirling!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202407/the-healing-power-of-pop-culture-communities

https://nicenews.com/humanity/why-being-a-fan-is-good-for-you/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/22/the-big-idea-why-you-should-embrace-your-inner-fan

Recipes and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-52-total-eclipse

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

On today's episode, which originally aired in July 2025, we interview author extraordinaire Lauretta Hignett about her "Susan, You're the Chosen One," the first in her "Welcome to Midlife Magic" series and try not to cringe too much at Amy’s fangirling.

You can find Lauretta at the following places:

https://laurettahignett.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauretta-Hignett/author/B079ZPLXNL

https://www.instagram.com/laurettahignett/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/laurettasravenousreaders/

For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-lauretta-hignett

Today's Oracle Deck was the Norse Goddess Rune Oracle by Rebecca Joy Stark and artwork by Sharon McLeod.

https://blueangelonline.com/shop/card-decks/oracle-cards/norse-goddess-rune-oracle/

https://www.instagram.com/blueangelpublishing/

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Got thoughts? Let us know!

Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes. 

This was originally recorded for Lughnasa 2025. This year (2026), Lughnasa falls on August 1 in the Northern Hemisphere - so I hope you have plans for this weekend!

Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in for a brief overview of the first of the harvest festivals.

***

Bread recipe (Alas, not the one discussed, but also super easy!): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/no-knead-crusty-white-bread-recipe

Seasons of the Witch Lammas Oracle by Juliet Diaz and Lorriane Anderson: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/seasons-of-the-witch-lammas-oracle

Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

Follow the pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/

and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails

Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter!

Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Thanks - the Caftan Coven