Page To Picture

This week on Page to Picture join host Kim for a conversation with author Maya-Gawonii as they explore the experiences, stories, and poetry behind her writing journey. Maya opens up about how she became an author, her love of exploring different genres, and the role poetry plays in connecting with younger readers.

Then, they get into two very different reads: The Margins Between Us, a magical-realism romance set in the Pacific Northwest, and My Roommate Is Trying to Kill Me, a horror rom-com featuring an aspiring horror actor who starts to wonder if his roommate has something sinister planned.

Of course, no Page to Picture conversation is complete without imagining these stories on the big screen! They chat dream casting, representation, potential adaptations, Maya’s upcoming projects, and where readers can find her books.

Follow Maya here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mayagawoniiwrites/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58458668.Maya_Gawonii_Shabazz_Saleh

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cowriecrossings

Welcome back to Panem, besties! Where children are sent to murder each other for entertainment, the Capitol has questionable fashion choices, and apparently we're all emotionally attached to the baker's son.

We are revisiting Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and its 2012 movie adaptation to answer the VERY important question: Did Hollywood understand the assignment, or did they just volunteer as tribute and wing it?

We're talking casting choices, what the movie left out, and what happens when you try to squeeze Katniss's entire brain into a two-hour film. We're breaking down Rue's devastating death (we're STILL not okay), the cave romance, Peeta's injury, and the Nightlock berries. Because nothing says romance like threatening to eat poisonous berries together. ❤️

What did the book do better? What did the movie actually get right? Which moments had us screaming at the screen? And most importantly, who wins our final book-versus-movie showdown?

We'll wrap things up with our ratings before setting our sights on the next chapter: Catching Fire. Because apparently, we enjoy emotional damage and have decided to make it a hobby.

May the odds be ever in your favor. You're gonna need them.

✨ Greek mythology, Hollywood romance, and a love story worth retelling! ✨

On this episode of Page to Picture, Kim sits down with romance author Loren Sorensen to talk about her writing journey, her love of Greek mythology, and how she transforms classic stories into modern romance. 📚💕

Loren takes us behind the scenes of The Reluctant Star, her modern retelling of Eros and Psyche set in Hollywood. We chat about character development, bringing mythology into the modern world, and exploring the balance between love and staying true to yourself.

We also discuss her holiday romance, The Trouble with Christmas, the romance tropes readers can expect, and which of Loren’s stories she'd love to see adapted for the screen! 🎬🎄

Plus, Loren shares what’s next for her writing career and gives us a glimpse into her upcoming projects.

🎧 In this episode, we discuss:

• Loren’s journey into writing

• The inspiration behind The Reluctant Star

• Retelling Greek mythology through modern romance

• Love, self-worth, and relationships

• The story behind The Trouble with Christmas

• Romance tropes and character development

• Dream casting and adapting books for the screen

• Loren’s upcoming projects and future stories

💬 One thing we’re taking away: Love shouldn't mean losing yourself in a relationship.

📖 Whether you love Greek mythology, contemporary romance, or imagining your favorite books on the big screen, this episode is for you!

Follow Loren Sorensen here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lorensorensenwrites/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorensorensenwrites

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lorensorensenwrites/

In this episode of Page to Picture, Kim sits down with YA fantasy author Ava Lauren Grayson to talk about her debut novel, The Stargazers, and the creative process behind building an entire universe from the ground up. 🚀✨

Ava takes Kim behind the scenes of her journey as a writer, from creating stories at a young age to becoming a published author. Together, they explore the inspiration behind The Stargazers, a YA space-fantasy adventure that blends teenage astronauts, magic, mysterious creatures, romance, and an entirely new world.

Kim and Ava dive into the development of characters Julia, Kai, Natalie, and Milo, the challenges of writing a multi-POV story, and what it takes to create a fictional planet like Luella. Ava also shares how she maps out her worlds, develops creatures, uses tattoos and symbolism throughout the story, and embraces flawed characters who have room to grow.

The conversation also looks ahead to Ava's plans for continuing The Stargazers series, potential spin-offs, and the other genres and projects she hopes to explore.

If you love YA fantasy, science fiction, immersive world-building, complex characters, and getting the behind-the-scenes scoop on how a book comes together, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Connect with Ava Grayson:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/avalaurengrayson/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ava-Lauren-Grayson/author

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/avalaurengrayson

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions of trauma, survival, death, and healing. In this episode, Kim sits down with author Eileen Porzuczek to talk about her poetic memoir, Memento Mori, and the deeply personal journey behind it.

Eileen shares her powerful story of surviving a ceiling collapse and how that life-changing experience shaped her writing, her perspective, and her relationship with poetry. We talk about the meaning behind Memento Mori — “remember you must die” — and how confronting mortality can change the way we look at life.

We also dive into the transformative power of poetry, processing trauma through storytelling, the vulnerability that comes with writing personal experiences, and the emerging world of eco-horror poetry. Eileen gives us insight into her creative process and why intentionality and connection between the writer and reader matter so much.

This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and a beautiful reminder that sometimes the hardest stories to tell can become the ones that help us heal and connect with others.

Follow Elieen here:

⁠https://www.eileenporzuczek.com/⁠

⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eileen-Porzuczek/author/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/eileenporzuczek/⁠

⁠https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18290498.Eileen_Porzuczek⁠

In this episode of Page to Picture, we’re talking ALL things Practical Magic 2! 🔮✨

After hosting our very first movie event at Galaxy Theatres, we’re recapping the experience, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, and getting into all the magical, emotional, and chaotic fun surrounding the sequel.

We break down their favorite scenes, character dynamics, casting choices, the emotional moments that had the theater reaching for tissues, and the themes of sisterhood, family, sacrifice, and forbidden romance that made this story hit so hard.

We also chat about fan culture and fanfiction, book revisions, upcoming projects, creative collaborations, and how passionate readers and fans can inspire the stories we love.

Was Practical Magic 2 everything we hoped it would be? Did the Owens women deliver? And, most importantly… what did we rate it?!

And of course, we’re giving a HUGE thank-you to the amazing local businesses who helped make our first movie event extra magical! 🥹💜✨

Special thanks to:
🎬 Galaxy Theatres Boulevard Mall
🎁 XOXO Book Boutique
🛁 Hone Vintage & Bath
📸 LVPhotobombs
☕ Founders Coffee☕ Viva Cafe

We are so grateful to every business that donated, supported, or helped us create a fun experience for our Page to Picture community. Your support means the world to us! 💕

Grab your witchy bestie and join us for a magical conversation filled with movie talk, sisterhood, fandom, and a whole lot of love for the world of Practical Magic. 🔮✨

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions of mental health, trauma, human trafficking, family conflict, bullying, and other sensitive topics.In this episode of Page to Picture Podcast, Kim sits down with author JJ Winston for a powerful conversation about how storytelling can open the door to conversations we don’t always feel comfortable having.

JJ shares her journey from social worker and attorney to author and explains why she uses fiction to explore difficult topics including mental health stigma, trauma, human trafficking, sickle cell disease, family conflict, and relationships. We talk about how flawed, relatable characters can help readers develop empathy, why honesty and communication matter in relationships, and how fiction can be a non-threatening way to educate and raise awareness.

We also dive into the challenges of parenting in a digital world, the impact of social media and bullying on mental health, protecting children from online dangers, and the importance of balancing heavy subject matter with hope.

And because this is Page to Picture, we couldn't leave without talking about storytelling itself; including JJ's chess metaphor for life, success, and character development, as well as the importance of representation and thoughtful editing.

You can find JJ Winston here:

https://www.novelistjjwinston.com/

https://www.instagram.com/novelistjjwinston/

https://www.facebook.com/novelistjjwinston/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B089NYQQQL

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/16635440.J_J_Winston

SEPTEMBER is SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH! If you would like to learn more about it or donate please visit: https://sicklecelldisease.org/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/

🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Wild & Windy and Love on Demand.We’re talking to C.R. Jane! In this bonus episode of Page to Picture, we dive into the world of dark romance, mafia men, possessive heroes, morally black characters, spice, angst, and the tropes that keep us coming back for more.

C.R. Jane gives us insight into her books, upcoming releases, special editions, pre-order incentives, and the behind-the-scenes world of writing and marketing romance. We also get a little unhinged discussing fictional red flags, sports romance vs. mafia men, dream Vegas dates with book characters, and which characters we’d absolutely let ruin our lives. 😂

Plus, we’re getting excited for the Dark Horse Release Party on October 15th 2026, upcoming author events, and the chance to meet even more of our favorite authors at LoveNVegas Oct 16th - 17th 2026.

Come for C.R. Jane, stay for the questionable book-boyfriend choices. 🖤🔥

What happens when a love of fan fiction turns into a published fantasy romance series? In this episode of Page to Picture, Kim sits down with fantasy romance author Letizia Firmani to talk about her journey from writing fan fiction to creating worlds and characters of her very own.

Letizia takes us behind the scenes of her Black Silk and Red Ruby series, sharing how fan fiction shaped her approach to world-building, why planning and outlining are such an important part of her writing process, and how her stories continue to evolve as she writes them.

We dive into forbidden romance, morally gray characters, banter, forced proximity, darker themes, character development, and the emotional side of writing. Letizia also opens up about incorporating mental health themes into her stories and how writing can become a therapeutic and cathartic experience.

And because this is Page to Picture, we HAD to talk adaptations! We get into dream casting, which scenes she'd love to see brought to the screen, and what makes her books feel ready for a television or movie adaptation.

Whether you're a fantasy romance reader, aspiring author, fan fiction veteran, or simply obsessed with seeing your favorite books come to life, this conversation has plenty to unpack!

Find Letizia Firmani:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letiziafirmani/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letiziafirmani
Website: https://www.letiziafirmani.com/

💕 ROMANCE, HOT TAKES & ALL THE BOOKISH CHAOS

What makes a romance unforgettable? Is it the trope, the chemistry, the angst… or just two people who absolutely should NOT be together?

In this episode of Page to Picture, we are diving headfirst into the world of romance! From enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance to sports romance, fantasy romance, historical romance, dark romance, and small-town love stories, we’re talking about the genres and tropes we can’t get enough of and the ones that have us saying, “Absolutely not.”

We’re sharing some of our favorite romance books, movies, and TV adaptations, including Divine Rivals, Happy Place, Bridgerton, Outlander, and more.

Plus, we get into our romance hot takes, upcoming adaptations we’re ridiculously excited about, and the highly anticipated The Love Hypothesis adaptation coming to Amazon Prime. 🎬📚

But it’s not all books and fictional boyfriends! We also get personal as we talk about writing, creative projects, imposter syndrome, persistence, manifestation, upcoming bookish events, and what it’s really like trying to make big ideas happen.

And because this is Page to Picture, naturally there’s plenty of chaos, Vegas stories, and excitement surrounding Practical Magic 2. ✨🔮

So grab your favorite romance, settle in, and get ready for opinions, recommendations, hot takes, and probably a few fictional men we would absolutely make terrible decisions for. 😏