Fiction Fanatics

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In this week’s episode of Fiction Fanatics, the crew sit down with the brilliantly atmospheric storyteller, Riley S. Quinn. Known for her rich folklore influences, emotionally charged plots, and hauntingly beautiful prose, Riley opens up about her creative process, the origins of her most beloved characters, and how she weaves myth, memory, and raw human emotion into every chapter.

We talk about:

• 🌲 How folklore shapes her writing and worldbuilding
• ❤️‍🔥 The complex relationships and emotional knots her characters face
• ✍️ Her writing rituals, creative struggles, and unexpected inspirations
• 👀 What readers always get wrong — and what she secretly loves
• 📚 A sneak peek at what she’s working on next

Whether you’re a longtime Riley fan or discovering her for the first time, this conversation is cozy, atmospheric, and absolutely unforgettable.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and join us in the dark woods. 🌙

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week, we sit down with the brilliant Heather Colley, author of The Gilded Butterfly Effect, a darkly compelling and unflinchingly honest campus novel that digs into the pressures, performances, and hidden struggles of modern college life.

We talk about what inspired this story, why today’s young women are navigating more pressure than ever, and how the constant push to “belong” can blur the line between who we are and who we think we should be.

Heather opens up about:

🦋 The emotional landscape behind The Gilded Butterfly Effect

🏛️ Greek life, TikTok culture & curated perfection

⚡ How institutions shape both joy and insecurity

🌑 Loneliness in the middle of social chaos

✨ Why contemporary campus novels needed a refresh

Even though Stacy couldn’t make this recording, we had such a thoughtful, layered, and fascinating conversation — the kind that stays with you long after the mics are off.

You’re going to love hearing Heather unpack her world.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week, we’re joined by the incredible Britney S. Lewis, author of The Undead Truth of Us and her newest YA novel Blood Moon — and we had the best time with her.

Britney is one of those rare authors who instantly feels like a friend. She’s warm, hilarious, thoughtful, and endlessly inspiring. In this conversation, we dive into the heart behind Blood Moon, the creative spark that drives her stories, and her evolving journey as a YA author.

We also chat about:

🌙 Where the idea for Blood Moon came from

✨ Her writing process and creative rhythm

🔥 The power of storytelling for young readers

📚 What’s next on her horizon

🎉 A super fun lightning round (of course!!)

This episode is joyful, motivating, and full of the kind of energy that reminds you why stories matter. You’re going to love Britney just as much as we do. 💕

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week we’re joined by the incredible Maxine Rosaler — a writer whose work blends sharp observation, emotional honesty, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Maxine opens up about her writing journey, the themes that shape her stories, how motherhood and identity influence her work, and the art of capturing truth on the page.

We talk creativity, vulnerability, storytelling, and the moments that spark inspiration. It’s a soft, thoughtful, deeply human episode — perfect for anyone who loves literary fiction and honest conversations about life.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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She’s back! 🩸 This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re welcoming Gillian Eliza West for her second visit — and we couldn’t be more excited to talk about her newest release, Until the Heart Stops.

Set in the darkly enchanting city of Oylen, Until the Heart Stops is a lush, emotional vampire romance filled with forbidden love, power, and danger. Gillian joins us to chat about her creative process, her favorite morally gray characters, and what it’s like to expand her world of witches, lycans, and vampires.

It’s a cozy, chaotic, and totally fang-tastic episode you won’t want to miss. 💋

#FictionFanaticsPod #GillianElizaWest #UntilTheHeartStops #BookPodcast #VampireRomance #FantasyBooks

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by the incredible A.A. Barton — author, storyteller, and all-around force of creativity. 💫

We talk all things A.A. Barton: her newest book, navigating grief through writing, the heart behind her stories, and the exciting new projects she has on the horizon. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation that’ll make you feel all the things.

Come laugh, cry, and fangirl with us — this one’s special. 💕

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

#FictionFanatics #AABarton #BookPodcast #ReadersOfInstagram #AuthorInterview

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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We’re diving deep into the heart of modern rom-coms, Nerds! ✨ The brilliant Nikki Payne joins us to talk about her newest release, The Princess and the P.I., along with Pride and Protest and Sex, Lies and Sensibility.

We chat all things love, laughter, and representation — from Jane Austen inspirations to why diversity and fresh perspectives make today’s romances shine. It’s funny, thoughtful, and full of the Fiction Fanatics energy you know and love. 💕📚

#NikkiPayne #ThePrincessAndThePI #RomCom #RepresentationMatters #BookPodcast #FictionFanatics

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week, we’re joined by the one and only @ShonnaReads — the radiant, book-loving powerhouse who’s making the reading world brighter and more inclusive. 🌈📚

Shonna opens up about her passion for highlighting diverse stories, celebrating underrepresented voices, and creating a book community that feels like home for everyone. We chat favorite reads, comfort books, and why representation on our shelves truly matters.

This one’s full of heart, laughter, and all the cozy, honest book talk we love. 💕

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts!

#BookPodcast #ShonnaReads #FictionFanatics #DiverseBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #OwnVoices

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Heather Snodgrass joins us to talk A Love Letter to Reading!

We dive into her dark humor, killer playlists, and pop-culture-driven storytelling — all with her signature wit and warmth. 💀🎶

From grief and vengeance to bold, flawed female leads, Heather shows how laughter can live beside heartbreak.

Grab your headphones — this one’s smart, sassy, and full of heart. 💕

#FictionFanatics #HeatherSnodgrass #ALoveLetterToReading #BookPodcast #PopCulture

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by the incredible Joelle Wellington 🖤🔪 and honestly… we clicked instantly. ✨ Joelle is the author of Their Vicious Games, The Blonde Dies First, and the upcoming Girls Who Play Dead— thrillers that are sharp, chilling, and full of that delicious eat the rich energy we live for.

We chat about her inspirations, the dark and twisty stories she creates, and what it’s like writing thrillers that keep readers up way past bedtime. Expect laughs, goosebumps, and a lot of fangirling from us because Joelle is just THAT amazing.

Grab your headphones (and maybe keep a nightlight on 👀) — you don’t want to miss this one.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***