Spill the Smut

What if your brand felt like a room you actually live in—soft light, a good playlist, books stacked next to lip gloss and a tote that’s seen a few city sunsets? That’s the world Liz built as The Boho Book Blogger, and she’s here to unpack the craft behind the cozy: how to design a feed around feeling, grow a loyal community without chasing trends, and still keep reading joyful when algorithms get loud.

We get into the origin of her handle and why the bohemian aesthetic wasn’t a costume but a reflection of her wardrobe, work history, and taste. She walks us through her full creative workflow—Pinterest moodboards for color and texture, playlists that score the shoot, hauling blankets and hardcovers outside for flatlays, then editing and curating with an editorial eye. The heart of the conversation is sustainability. Liz shares how she navigates burnout, embraces DNF as self-care, repurposes strong visuals, and posts for the “five friends” who matter most. 

If you’re a reader, creator, or brand-builder chasing warmth over noise, this conversation doubles as a playbook: lead with intention, treat your vibe as a promise, and let craft outlast trends. 

Listen now, then share it with a friend who needs a boost—and if this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your best burnout fix.

Follow Liz on IG: @thebohobookblogger x TT: @thebohobookblogger

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

What if the publishing experience felt personal, fast, and genuinely supportive—and the books brought the heat? I sit down with MK Ahearn, the romantasy author behind Broken Flames and the founder of Azala Press, to talk about building a small press that acts like a trusted partner. From a pandemic spark that led to her first manuscript to a growing catalog of romance and fantasy romance, MK shares the choices, systems, and scrappy experiments that turned a lone imprint into a full-service publisher.

Romantasy and dark romance take center stage as we explore the genre’s rise, the power of BookTok and Bookstagram, and the cultural shift from hiding steamy reads to celebrating them. MK spotlights her spiciest release yet, Hollow House—a Halloween novella filled with masks, secrets, and a house of pleasures—plus rapid-fire recommendations. 

We close with a roadmap for what’s next: more audiobooks for accessibility, smarter distribution, and a thoughtful path to international reach.

Follow MK Ahearn IG: @authormkahearn and Azala Press IG: @azalapress and Azala Romance IG: @azalaromance

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

Behind the Books: Inside the World of a Publishing Editor

Ever wondered what it's really like to work in publishing? Spoiler alert: it's not just reading books all day in a cozy armchair. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly, an acquisitions editor who pulls back the curtain on the realities of the publishing industry.

Kelly shares her journey into publishing—a path that began with a simple suggestion from a friend and led to her dream career. With refreshing honesty, she reveals that her job consists of 75% emails, with only about 20% of her time actually spent reading manuscripts. Yet despite the administrative load, her passion for books shines through as she describes the joy of championing stories she truly believes in.

Whether you're a book lover curious about how your favorite stories make it to shelves, an aspiring publishing professional, or simply enjoy insights into creative industries, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of bringing books to life. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation about your own publishing questions or book recommendations!

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

Building a Bookish Brand and Navigating Conventions

How does a passion for reading transform into a thriving business and community? Olivia from Pages and Journeys shares her remarkable journey from bookstagram influencer to Etsy shop owner, revealing the thoughtful philosophy behind her popular bookish merchandise brand, Dreamy Pages Co.

What began with stickers and crocheted book sleeves has evolved into a refined collection of apparel and jewelry designed with a powerful purpose. Her minimalist designs embody this approach—providing readers with touchstones to carry the confidence and lessons from their favorite stories into real-world situations.

For those planning to attend book conventions, Olivia shares invaluable insider tips. We also discuss the recent Sinners and Stardust controversy, emphasizing the importance of author safety and boundaries at these events.

Follow Olivia on IG: @pages.and.journeys x TT: @pages.and.journeys and her bookish shop at IG: @dreamypagesco AND you can also find her on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamyPagesCo?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1877378536&from_page=listing

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

Breaking Hearts with Shakespeare

"The Casualty of Us" draws inspiration from Shakespeare's Hamlet, following the journey of Ophelia, a philosophy major beginning her freshman year of college just three months after surviving a kidnapping. What sets this narrative apart is its thoughtful structure—divided into two theatrical acts spanning 18 months of character development. 

The novel masterfully weaves multiple storylines: the mystery of Ophelia's unsolved kidnapping, her healing journey, the protective brother-sister relationship, and the developing romance. 

For fans of emotionally complex college romances with characters who feel startlingly real despite their larger-than-life qualities, "The Casualty of Us" delivers on every level. The first book in the Philosophies of Heart duet is available now on Kindle Unlimited, with book two coming soon. 

Don't miss this chance to experience R Phillips' remarkable talent for creating unforgettable characters and relationships that linger long after the final page.

Follow R. Phillips on IG: @rphillipswrites x TT: @rphillipswrites and her website https://www.rphillipswrites.com/

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

What happens when the darkest corners of desire meet the written page? Author, Holly Guy invites us into her world of villains who would "burn the whole world down just to turn up the heat."

Our conversation with Holly reveals the powerful philosophy behind her work: creating spaces where women can confront trauma, desire, and darkness without apology. She brilliantly distinguishes between dark romance and erotic horror, explaining how both genres serve readers seeking to explore taboo themes within the safety of fiction.

Ready to discover why some readers use trigger warnings as shopping lists? Want to understand how fiction allows us to experience desires we'd never pursue in reality? Listen now.

Follow Holly Guy on TikTok and Instagram @hollyguyauthor.

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

Dark Romance with a Secret Baby Twist

Ever wondered what happens when you can't find the exact romance novel you're craving? For Nikki Ash, the answer was simple: write it yourself. In this captivating conversation, the USA Today bestselling author shares the unexpected journey that transformed her from an English literature teacher into a prolific romance novelist with nearly 40 books to her name.

What stands out most is Nikki's genuine passion for storytelling. "Writing is the only thing that doesn't stress me out," she confesses, describing how she becomes noticeably restless after just a few days away from her manuscript. Her approach to publishing—writing what she loves rather than chasing trends—reflects an authenticity that resonates throughout her work, even as she navigates the ever-changing landscape of indie publishing.

Grab your coffee (Nikki's other passion), settle in, and discover why sometimes the most satisfying stories are the ones we create ourselves.

Follow Nikki Ash on IG @authornikkiash and her website authornikkiash.com

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

The Evolution of Bookstagram

The digital book world has transformed dramatically since its inception, and few people have witnessed this evolution as closely as Genesis, the creator behind Whispering Chapters. Long before BookTok exploded and before most of us even knew what "Bookstagram" meant, Genesis was sharing her love of stories through carefully filtered photos and thoughtful reviews.

In this candid conversation, Genesis takes us back to 2013 when Bookstagram was in its infancy – a time of heavy filters, unplanned aesthetics, and a completely different approach to engagement. 

Whether you're a content creator navigating similar challenges, a reader looking for authentic recommendations, or simply curious about how book communities have evolved online, this conversation offers honest insights into the past, present, and future of digital book spaces. 

Ready to enhance your own content? Don't miss Genesis's practical tips on creating shareable posts that actually beat the algorithm!

Follow Genesis on IG: @whisperingchapters x TT: @whisperingchapters

Cover Art by: moi

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Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

Ever wondered how book influencers get those coveted Advanced Reader Copies months before release? Lissa pulls back the curtain on the mysterious world of ARCs, publisher relationships, and the authentic journey of a multi-genre bookstagrammer. Whether you're an aspiring book influencer or simply curious about what happens behind those perfectly staged bookstagram photos, this episode offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Lissa's parting advice? Remember why you started sharing books online in the first place, and don't let algorithm anxiety steal your joy. 

Connect with Lissa - IG: @notesfromliterature TT: @notesfromliterature 

Cover Art by: moi

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Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction

The unsung heroes behind your favorite authors' seemingly effortless social media presence, newsletter magic, and seamless book launches are often their personal assistants—and Lauren represents the gold standard in this demanding profession. In this engaging deep dive, she pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to support multiple bestselling authors while maintaining her sanity and passion for books.

Whether you're a reader curious about publishing's inner workings, an author considering assistance, or someone intrigued by this unique career path, Lauren's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the essential but often invisible role that keeps the book world turning. Ready to see what happens when one assistant manages four major book releases in a single month? As Lauren would say: "It's a lot!"

Lauren's Links: IG: @lbcreads TT: @lbcreads x Author Assistant IG: @lbcreadsauthorservices x Website: www.lbcreads.com

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction