In this episode, we sit down with fantasy author Katelynsam to talk about her journey from traditional publishing to taking full creative control as a self-published author.

She breaks down how she found her voice as a writer, what pushed her to step into self-publishing, and how that decision completely changed her creative process. From designing her own book covers to building immersive worlds, she shares what it really looks like behind the scenes when you stop waiting for permission and start building your own lane.

We also get into her novel The Fated from its genre-bending structure to the haunting water-inspired setting where even the atmosphere feels like a character. Katelynsam walks us through her inspiration, the emotional layers of the story, and why she leans into storytelling that doesn’t fit neatly into one box.

Plus, she talks upcoming projects (yes, anime-inspired fantasy 👀), audiobook plans, and what she’s learned about connecting directly with readers in a digital-first publishing world.

If you’re into writing, publishing, or just love hearing how stories actually get made this one’s for you.

Website: https://katelynsam.com/

Newsletter: https://katelynsam.substack.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/_katelynsam_/?hl=en

🚀 Surviving Mars: The Science, Humor & Adaptation of The Martian

What happens when you mix science, sarcasm, and being stranded… on Mars? Yeah, things get chaotic real fast.

This week on Page to Picture, we break down The Martian by Andy Weir and its film adaptation directed by Ridley Scott. From potato farming on Mars (because obviously) to laugh-out-loud diary logs, we’re getting into what makes this story such a standout in sci-fi.

We talk why Andy Weir’s writing style hits different (science + humor = elite combo), just how accurate the science actually is, the glow-up from self-published book to Hollywood blockbuster, the casting (yes, we’re looking at you Matt Damon as Mark Watney) and Book vs. movie differences...what worked and what didn't.

Plus, we get into our favorite moments, emotional hits, and why this story low-key makes you believe you could survive on Mars… until you remember you can’t even keep a houseplant alive.

If you love sci-fi, book-to-movie adaptations, or just watching people problem-solve their way out of impossible situations this one’s for you.

This episode hit different in the best way.

I sat down with Holly Seaver, a children’s author whose story is just as powerful as the ones she writes. She opened up about doing foster care for eight years and how those experiences shaped not only who she is today, but the stories she feels called to tell. And yeah… it gets real.

We talk about how she turns heavy, emotional topics, like foster care, adoption, and feeling like you don’t belong into stories kids can actually understand and connect with. Not in a preachy way, but in a “hey, you’re seen and you’re not alone” kind of way. Her whole approach to storytelling is rooted in empathy and inclusion, and honestly, you can feel that in everything she creates.

We also get into her writing process, how she builds relatable characters for kids navigating tough situations, and why books can be such a powerful tool for starting conversations that a lot of people avoid. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who loves meaningful stories, this episode gives you a lot to think about.

If you’ve ever wondered how stories can help kids process big emotions or how lived experiences can turn into something that helps others this one’s for you.

And yes, by the end, you’ll probably want to check out her books too.

• You can find Holly Seaver at:

• IG/Threads/TikTok: @hollymoomer
• Facebook: Holly Ralph Seaver
• Email: [email protected]

Books available:

• https://www.amazon.com/My-New-Home-Holly-Seaver/dp/1968640460/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38QOX2QM1HES6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.npzcuuxwyHNz4UWLTD21_w.dximy6iVKJ5QVDV3ikrXfeSNtSYDQe3ueFcbTgWPGuA&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+new+home+and+me+holly+seaver&qid=1769617265&sprefix=%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1
• https://bookshop.org/p/books/my-new-home-and-me-cecelia-cash/0b9db93873d6c397?ean=9781968640460&next=t

All profits from books are donated to: Cape Code Foster Closet (capecodfostercloset.org; Facebook;Instagram)

Get ready because this one? Yeah… it’s a BIG one.

This week on Page to Picture, we break down Project Hail Mary, the sci-fi story that somehow made space feel emotional, stressful, AND weirdly wholesome all at once.

From page to screen, we are comparing everything: storytelling choices, character depth, and whether the movie actually did justice to the heart of the book.

Spoiler: there are thoughts. Strong ones.

We get into our favorite moments (and the ones that absolutely wrecked them), the surprisingly crucial role of the audiobook experience, and why this story hits harder than your typical space adventure. Also… we need to talk about Rocky. Because if you don’t love him, that’s a red flag.

We unpack:

• The biggest differences and similarities between the book and film
• How the Grace + Rocky dynamic carries the entire story
• Why the audiobook might be the best way to experience this world
• Casting choices, emotional impact, and those cinematic moments that just hit

Whether you’ve read it, watched it, or you’re still pretending it’s not on your TBR, this episode gives you everything you need to fully appreciate why Project Hail Mary is that girl in the sci-fi genre.

💫 Action items (because yes, homework but fun):
Watch the movie. Read the book. Then do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook, it’s a whole different experience.

This week we’re joined by dark romantic suspense author M.C Paas and yeah… we go there.

We’re talking morally gray characters you shouldn’t love (but absolutely would risk it all for), high-stakes espionage romance, and the kind of stories that are a little dark, a little dangerous, and very addictive.

MC gets real about how writing started as therapy, how her upbringing shaped her gritty storytelling, and why dark romance is having its main character moment right now.

Also… we need to discuss Phoenix. Respectfully.

This week on Page to Picture, Kim and Tiffany take on the ultimate debate: Ready Player One vs its blockbuster film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg.

What happens when a book packed with deep cut 80s nostalgia, complex challenges, and detailed world building gets turned into a fast-paced, visually stunning movie? A LOT changes and we’re breaking it all down.

From major plot differences and character rewrites to the way each version handles nostalgia and virtual reality, this episode dives into what worked, what didn’t, and which version truly delivers.

We also share our personal favorites, hot takes, and whether the movie really did the book justice… or completely missed the mark.

If you love book-to-movie adaptations, pop culture, and a little friendly chaos, this episode is for you.

Follow us for more episodes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialpagetopicture/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialpagetopicture

After a career setback, author Stacey LP turned adversity into inspiration, creating her post-apocalyptic sci-fi trilogy Afterglow Rising, set in a reimagined Austin, Texas.

In this episode, we talk about how her writing journey began, the real-life influences behind her world-building and how her characters sometimes take on a life of their own. Stacey also shares her approach to storytelling, whether she’s plotting or winging it, and the role music plays in shaping her scenes.

If you’re an aspiring writer, this one’s for you!! Stacey drops honest advice about breaking into indie publishing, building a community, and staying consistent when things get hard.

Plus, we wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire round and where you can connect with Stacey and her upcoming projects.

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

Website: https://authorstaceylp.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/411439-afterglow-rising-trilogy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stacey-LP/author/B0DF88KRHL?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

In this episode of Page to Picture, Kim sits down with YA dystopian author Katelyn Pfeiffer to talk about her journey from writing poetry in grade school to creating her sci-fi series, The Provenance Chronicles. What started as a vivid, full-sensory dream turned into a full-blown book series, and she gets real about the ups and downs of publishing, including dealing with a not-so-great publisher situation before finding her footing.

They get into the nitty-gritty of dystopian world-building (aka: it’s way harder than it looks), how she develops morally complex characters, and why she leans into themes of love, redemption, and faith. Katelyn also talks about writing “spice-free” stories that focus more on emotional depth than shock value.

She wraps things up by teasing what’s next...book three (hopefully by Christmas), plus a novella and a standalone fantasy project on the way.

FOLLOW KATELYN BELOW:

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

GOODREADS: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52496223.Katelyn_E_Pfeiffer⁠

WEBSITE: ⁠https://katelynepfeiffer.wixsite.com/provenancechronicles

In this episode, Kim & Tiff break down Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, diving into its core themes of forgiveness, redemption, and healing. They unpack character dynamics, highlight standout moments, and share their dream casting for the upcoming film adaptation.

The conversation also explores how the story translates from page to screen, including key differences, emotional impact, and creative choices behind the adaptation process. From character deep-dives to soundtrack picks and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode delivers a full review for both longtime fans and first-time listeners.

If you believe in right person, wrong time… this episode might emotionally wreck you (in the best way).

Tiffany and Kim are breaking down One Day and yeah, we mean ALL of it. The book by David Nicholls, the movie starring Anne Hathaway, and the Netflix series that had everyone crying at 2AM. We follow Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew across two decades of love, missed chances, bad decisions, and painfully real growth.

This isn’t just a love story it’s a “why didn’t they just get it together sooner?!” story. From annual check-ins that somehow hit harder every year, to the emotional damage of timing, distance, and life doing what it does best (being messy), Tiffany and Kim unpack what makes One Day so relatable and so brutal.

Expect hot takes, emotional reactions, and those moments that had everyone collectively saying, “oh… that’s sick and twisted.”

Because at the end of the day, One Day isn’t just about love it’s about growing up, growing apart, and everything in between.