Jordan Morris is the author of graphic novel Youth Group, and a comedy writer with experience working in TV, features, comics, podcasts, digital comedy and video games. He's written for shows on Max, Disney Plus, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and YouTube Originals. He also created and co-wrote the 2x Eisner nominated graphic novel Bubble. He has also written stories for Marvel, IDW’s Godzilla and Archie: Chilling Adventures.

He co-hosts Jordan, Jesse, Go!, a podcast with Jesse Thorn (NPR) and Free With Ads, a movie recap show with comedians Emily Fleming & Matt Leib.

Books discussed on this episode:

• Youth Group by Jordan Morris
• Godzilla vs LA (comic) by Jordan Morris et al
• Earth Abides by George R. Stewart
• You Belong Here by Sarah Phoebe Miller
• Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
• WaterMoon (as per usual) by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
• A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey

Find Jordan at Jordanmorris.net - a nice/good website. He’s signing at Things From Another World on May 3 in LA and Altadena Lit fest (Listfest in the Dena) on May 4, 2025.

Buy all books from

We talked to children’s book author Bea Birdsong about what it takes to get traditionally published and how to pivot in a writing career.

Bea Birdsong is the author of I Will Be Fierce!, Sam’s First Word, How to Spot a Best Friend, Boop!, Goat Is the G.O.A.T., How to Grow a Family Tree (2025), That Is Not a Dog! (2026), You Did It! (2026), Me Too! (2027), and other forthcoming books for children.

Bea is also a former teacher who believes in the awesome power of books to educate, entertain, and empower. She is represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong. Bea invites you to connect with her on social media @beabirdsong and to visit her online at beabirdsong.com.

• I Will Be Fierce by Bea Birdsong and Nidhi Chanani
• Sam's First Word by Bea Birdsong and Holly Hatam
• Boop by Bea Birdsong and Linzie Hunter
• How to Spot a Best Friend by Bea Birdsong and Lucy Fleming
• Goat Is the G.O.A.T. by Bea Birdsong and Kelly Murphy
• The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
• There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi and Laurel Molk
• The Mystery Beast of Ostergeest by Steven Kellog
• A Visit to William Blake’s Inn by Nancy Willard and Alice Provensen
• Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin
• Little rabbit’s loose tooth
• WaterMoon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Dear Genius the letters of Ursula Nordstrom
• The night ends with fire by KX Song

We talked 2025 book buying trends that Claire learned at ABA (American Booksellers Association). And we welcomed USA Today Bestselling author Xio Axelrod, who writes contemporary fiction and romance. Her award-winning novels have earned both critical acclaim and a passionate readership. Her Lillys series, including The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes and Girls with Bad Reputations, explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Xio actively connects with her readers through social media, fostering a dedicated and supportive community. Xio is a recording artist, a native of Philadelphia, and lives in complete denial of the last five minutes of Buffy with one very patient, full-time indoor husband and two part-time, supremely pampered outdoor cats.

Books discussed in this episode:

• The Girl With the Stars In her Eyes by Xio Axelrod
• Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod
• When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
• Deep End by Ali Hazlewood
• No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel
• I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberley lemming
• August Lane by Regina Black
• Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan

Buy all these through Bookshop.org supporting Wild Sisters. Every print or ebook you buy with Wild Sisters designated as your shop sends money directly to the store.

In this episode, we welcomed New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory to talk about donuts, farmers markets, and origins of contemporary romance.

Jasmine is the author of six romance novels including The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and While We Were Dating. Her work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, and Time. Her newest novel, Flirting Lessons, is out today (April 8, 2025)! She lives in Oakland, California.

Books discussed in this episode:

• Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
• By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
• Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria
• First Time Caller by BK Morrison
• The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
• Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
• The Ghost Map by Stephen Johnson
• Stop me if you’ve heard this one by Kristin Arnett
• August Lane by Regina Black
• Audrey and Bash are just friends by Tia Williams

Buy these books here!

Claire and Sierra talk about what makes a good story, and whether a good story meets the hype. We talked about proven elements of a great story.

We also discuss the bookstore's space challenges as it relates to selling, and what happens at book industry events.

We discussed these books:

• Water Moon (again) by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
• Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

Buy the books!

We talked to Holly James, aka Holly Michele, about how authors feel about our covers, genre mashups, and using pen names.

Books discussed in this episode:

• Nothing But the Truth by Holly James
• The Deja Glitch by Holly James
• Name Your Price by Holly James
• The Big Fix by Holly James
• Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michele

Also:

• All I Want Is You by Fallon Ballard
• Swiped by LM Chilton
• You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

We spoke to freelance editor Erin McClary, who is Sierra's former editor at Sourcebooks, about traditional publishing's acquisition process, what editing really means, and some secrets every writer should know about editing, whether self-publishing or seeking traditional publication.

Find Erin at erinmcclary.com

Books discussed in this episode:

• A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey
• The Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey
• A little something different by Sandy Hall
• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
• Thrill Me by Benjamin Percy
• 1000 Words by Jami Attenberg
• From a Certain Point of View: Empire Strikes Back
• Blades of Furry by Emily Ardos (check name)
• Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
• Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

We talked to NYT bestselling author Mike Chen about his books, publishing, hockey romance, and cool band memorabilia. Plus, do authors get a say in their covers and titles in traditional publishing?

Books discussed in this episode:

• Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
• A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen
• We Could be Heroes by Mike Chen
• Light Years From Home by Mike Chen
• Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen
• Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen
• Star Wars: Brotherhood by Mike Chen
• From a Certain Point of View: Empire Strikes Back featuring Mike Chen
• Star Trek Deep Space 9: The Dog of War
• Good Pop, Bad Pop by Jarvis Cocker

Find Mike at https://www.mikechenbooks.com/

Jessica Joyce is the author of the USA Today bestselling novels You, With a View and The Ex-Vows. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.

On this episode we discuss people pleasing, fan fiction, and finding your voice.

Books discussed:

• The Ex -Vows by Jessica Joyce
• You, With A View by Jessica Joyce
• Where You Are Planted by Melanie Sweeney
• The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch
• Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
• Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover
• First-time Caller by B.K. Borison
• Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
• Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel

Buy them all at Wild Sisters Book Co on Bookshop.org.

We talked to USA Today bestselling author Tarah DeWitt and her career and what's next!

Tarah writes character-driven romances filled with laughter and big feelings. She loves stories centered around perfectly imperfect characters, especially those with just enough trauma to keep them funny, without ever being forcefully cavalier.

Books discussed:

• Funny Feelings
• The Co-Op
• Savor It
• Left of Forever