Talk Spicy To Me

For the Season 3 finale of Talk Spicy to Me, bestselling romance authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by #1 New York Times bestselling author Laurie Gilmore, creator of the beloved Dream Harbor series and The Pumpkin Spice Cafe.

Laurie takes us behind the scenes of her newest release, Big Bad Wolf, a cozy paranormal romance with Little Red Riding Hood vibes, werewolves, slow burn tension, and a few more red flags than readers might expect from Dream Harbor. We're also diving into why cozy romance is having such a huge moment, the surprising overlap between cozy and dark romance readers, how Laurie's Gilmore Girls love influenced her author name, and the incredible journey that turned The Pumpkin Spice Cafe from a side project into a career-changing phenomenon. Plus, Laurie shares how she protects the joy of writing after massive success, what makes a fictional small town feel truly cozy, why her romances are still open door, and which Dream Harbor man she would choose for herself.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome to the Season 3 finale

04:11 - Meet Laurie Gilmore

05:50 - Big Bad Wolf + cozy werewolf romance

11:55 - Did Gilmore Girls inspire "Gilmore"?

23:43 - Why cozy romance is having a huge moment

26:42 - Why readers need cozy books right now

31:48 - What actually makes a romance "cozy"?

36:48 - Where does spice fit into cozy romance?

42:09 - The Pumpkin Spice Cafe phenomenon

45:24 - How The Pumpkin Spice Cafe took off

53:22 - Werewolves, red flags & "touch her and die" energy

1:00:10 - Red Flag, Green Flag: Only One Bed

1:04:29 - Favorite tools for writing a novel

1:13:30 - Talk Spicy to Me Book Club

1:26:40 - Saying goodbye to Season 3

💬 QUESTION OF THE EPISODE: Are you a cozy romance reader, a dark romance reader… or are you happily reading BOTH?

FOLLOW LAURIE GILMORE:

Website: https://www.thelauriegilmore.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriegilmore_author/?hl=en

SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton!

Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

BOOK CLUB: We're reading The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne! Join us for the September 9th episode when Giana and Kandi break it all down.

Want more Talk Spicy to Me? Join us on Patreon for early access, exclusive content, surprise book mail, and uncensored After Dark episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

If you loved Season 3, make sure to like, subscribe, and leave us a comment telling us who you want to see on the podcast next season!

#LaurieGilmore #TalkSpicyToMe #CozyRomance #ThePumpkinSpiceCafe #BigBadWolf #DreamHarbor #RomanceBooks #BookTok #KandiSteiner #GianaDarling

What do we wish someone had told us before becoming authors?

In Season 3, Episode 8 of Talk Spicy to Me, bestselling romance authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner get candid about the realities of building a writing career - from finding your author brand and marketing your books to handling bad reviews, creative burnout, writer's block, and the pressure that comes with turning your passion into a business. Whether you're an aspiring author, indie author, or longtime romance reader curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with honest publishing advice and lessons Giana and Kandi learned the hard way.

💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe → https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe

TImestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

04:34 - The Spice Report

11:20 - Giana's Road to Ruin publishing update

15:04 - Kandi's current writing project

22:21 - Kandi announces Hot Mess

24:34 - What we wish we knew before becoming authors

25:36 - Passion doesn't guarantee readers

29:35 - Slow down before you publish

31:46 - Finding your author brand

35:46 - When writing starts to feel like a job

40:04 - Readers won't experience your book the way you do

41:42 - Bad reviews are inevitable

44:28 - Other authors are NOT your competition

47:42 - Success comes in seasons

52:13 - Don't let your backlist die

53:48 - Stop being rigid with your writing process

56:13 - "I don't believe in writer's block"

57:00 - Balancing art and business

59:43 - Pushing through when writing feels hard

1:00:54 - Why authors need to learn to say no

1:03:22 - Red Flag or Green Flag: stalking

1:05:35 - Reader question: do real people inspire characters?

SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton! Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

BOOK CLUB: We're reading The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne! Join us for the September 9th episode when Giana and Kandi break it all down.

AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed.

Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

💬 QUESTION OF THE EPISODE: Authors and aspiring authors: what's ONE thing you wish someone had told you before you started writing? Want more Talk Spicy to Me?

#TalkSpicyToMe #GianaDarling #KandiSteiner #AuthorAdvice #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #RomanceAuthors #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips #RomanceBooks

How much does it really cost to produce a romance audiobook and why has duet narration become so popular?

In Season 3, Episode 7 of Talk Spicy to Me, bestselling authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by New York Times bestselling romance author Amy Daws to talk all things audiobooks. From dual vs. duet narration and $10K+ production costs to narrator casting, audiobook rights, royalties, and marketing, they're pulling back the curtain on a side of publishing readers rarely see.

Amy also shares how she built her audiobook audience, why she was working with duet narration before it became the norm, and the virtual narrator event her publisher didn't think would work… that ended up selling 450 tickets.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

00:56 - Life updates & summer vacations

07:55 - Meet Amy Daws

09:49 - Amy hits the New York Times bestseller list

14:28 - The Spice Report

14:51 - Book-to-screen adaptations

23:18 - Let's talk audiobooks

24:41 - Amy's audiobook journey

27:26 - Dual vs. duet narration explained

28:24 - The real cost of producing audiobooks

31:45 - Why audiobook readers can read more

32:33 - Problematic narrators & author responsibility

35:55 - Why audiobooks have exploded in popularity

40:14 - How Amy marketed her audiobooks

44:39 - The Wild West of indie publishing

47:12 - The narrator event her publisher didn't want

52:51 - Affordable audiobook options for indie authors

54:55 - Should you sell your audiobook rights?

57:45 - Audiobooks as passive income

1:01:06 - Amy's #1 tip for your first audiobook

1:09:22 - Red Flag or Green Flag

1:11:23 - Special edition preorder campaigns

1:20:01 - After Dark gets VERY spicy

💬 QUESTION OF THE EPISODE: Do you prefer dual or duet narration in your romance audiobooks? FOLLOW AMY DAWS: Website: https://amydawsauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amydawsauthor/?hl=en SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton! Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero. Follow Lauren Blakely: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/ Website: https://laurenblakely.com/ Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting. Follow Kat Singleton: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com BOOK CLUB: We're reading The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne! Join us for the September 9th episode when Giana and Kandi break it all down. AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast #TalkSpicyToMe #AmyDaws #RomanceAudiobooks #Audiobooks #RomanceBooks #RomanceAuthors #BookPodcast #IndieAuthor

In Season 3, Episode 6 of Talk Spicy to Me, bestselling authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Cowles to talk all things romantic suspense - from crafting believable villains and planting red herrings to using suspense to push the romance forward. Catherine also gets candid about career milestones, setting boundaries as a woman in publishing, and the reality of going from indie to traditional publishing. Plus: true crime research, romance adaptations, murderous book boyfriends, and whether a cold-blooded killer is actually a red flag.

💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe → https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

00:58 - Life updates & author signings

07:49 - Meet Catherine Cowles

10:45 - The Spice Report

19:07 - Romance adaptations & dream casting

23:16 - Why Catherine writes romantic suspense

24:29 - Balancing romance & suspense

25:40 - Catherine's plotting process

26:27 - Red herrings & tricking readers

28:51 - Finding inspiration for suspense plots

30:37 - Planting clues & creating believable villains

36:22 - Career goals & author milestones

38:44 - Learning to celebrate success

44:54 - Writing from the villain's

POV 51:05 - When true crime research gets TOO real

53:19 - Balancing darkness, emotion & hope

57:03 - Using setting to build suspense

1:03:00 - People pleasing, boundaries & business

1:05:03 - Catherine's advice for romantic suspense writers

1:08:24 - Red Flag or Green Flag

1:13:46 - Indie vs. traditional publishing

1:21:27 - What's coming on After Dark

FOLLOW CATHERINE COWLES:

Website: https://catherinecowles.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinecowlesauthor/?hl=en SPONSORS:

This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton! Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

BOOK CLUB: We're reading The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne! Join us for the September 9th episode when Giana and Kandi break it all down.

AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

In Episode 5 of Talk Spicy to Me, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by USA Today bestselling author Ava Rani for a deep dive into one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of storytelling: world building in romance novels. Whether you're writing fantasy romance, dark academia, sports romance, mafia romance, small-town romance, or contemporary romance, this episode is packed with practical advice on creating immersive settings, weaving sensory details into your scenes, and making your fictional world feel like a character of its own.

The conversation also covers Ava's exciting four-book publishing deal, the importance of setting in series, balancing description with pacing, research tips for writers, and a thoughtful discussion about comparison, confidence, and finding joy in the writing journey. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast?

Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe → https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

02:22 - Kandi's Knoxville signing & Close Quarters special edition

05:39 - Sponsors: Lauren Blakely & Cat Singleton

06:59 - Introducing Ava Rani

11:02 - Ava's new Legacy series & four-book publishing deal

13:15 - Spice Report: Reality TV, TikTok obsessions & Will Ferrell

20:01 - Confidence, authenticity & why people judge confident women

28:19 - What makes world building feel immersive?

31:37 - Building romance, plot & setting together

33:12 - Why Book One builds the foundation of a series

37:48 - How to balance world building without slowing the story

39:30 - Using sensory details to make readers feel transported

44:02 - History, culture & creating unforgettable fictional worlds

51:38 - What authors actually cut during edits

57:11 - Finding the right balance in genre-specific world building

1:00:04 - World-building process: maps, Pinterest, playlists & research

1:10:17 - Red Flag, Green Flag: Sex in Public

1:13:07 - Listener Question: Dealing with comparison as an author

1:22:39 - Where to find Ava Rani & After Dark preview

FOLLOW AVA RANI:

Website: https://www.authoravarani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoravarani

SPONSORS:

This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton!

Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)

Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me! In Episode 4 of Season 3, bestselling romance authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are getting honest about burnout, motherhood, creativity, author life, and the pressure to keep producing when your brain and body are begging for a break.

This week, Giana and Kandi dive into what burnout really feels like, how it starts with overwhelm, the warning signs they've learned to look for, and the habits that help them protect their creativity before they hit a wall. They talk about the difference between pushing through and fully burning out, why social media comparison can make everything worse, and how authors, readers, and creators can start taking real care of themselves again.

They also chat about the beautiful chaos of motherhood, clingy baby phases, childcare struggles, the mom sisterhood, finding little pockets of writing time, and why having friends in the same life stage can feel so grounding.

If you've ever felt creatively drained, overwhelmed by your to-do list, exhausted by social media, or like the thing you love has started to feel like one more thing you have to do, this episode is for you.

💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe → https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

06:34 - Introducing today's burnout conversation

06:42 - Season sponsors: Kat Singleton + Lauren Blakely

07:36 - Spice Report

23:53 - Let's talk about burnout

24:13 - What burnout really means

26:30 - Burnout vs. overwhelm

28:35 - Why burnout can derail creative careers

30:57 - Warning signs of burnout

36:39 - Avoidance as a burnout red flag

39:03 - How social media feeds burnout

43:47 - Keeping joy in your creative career

50:43 - Comparison, jealousy, and author friendships

52:54 - Practical ways to prevent burnout

54:37 - Making space for things that are just for you

1:01:20 - How to refill your creative well

1:02:24 - There is no one right way to build a career

1:03:20 - How to come back from burnout

1:06:19 - Reader burnout, ARC pressure, and bookish social media 1:08:17 - It's okay to change, pivot, or take a break

1:09:40 - Share your burnout experience with us

1:10:31 - After Dark Preview: Dating hall of shame

1:10:47 - Red Flag, Green Flag

1:14:21 - Reader question: writing to market vs. writing what lights you up

1:17:22 - Art first, business second

1:18:16 - Patreon, book club pick, and closing

SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton!

Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/\

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

BOOK CLUB PICK: Read along with us! Our Talk Spicy to Me book club pick is The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne. We'll be discussing it on our September 9th episode, including favorite moments, favorite characters, and of course, the spice.

AFTER DARK: Join us on Patreon for this week's After Dark episode, where we're talking about the dating hall of shame and the dates that went completely off the rails.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more romance author conversations, behind-the-scenes author life, spicy book talk, romance writing advice, reader questions, and unfiltered conversations about the romance industry.

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me! In Episode 3 of Season 3, bestselling romance authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by two very special guests: their husbands, Haden and Jack. In this episode, Giana and Kandi pull back the curtain on what it's really like being married to a romance author. Haden and Jack share how they were first introduced to the romance book world, what surprised them most about the size and passion of the reader community, and what it's like watching their wives build careers in the romance industry.

They also get into the hilarious misconceptions people have about spicy romance authors, including the assumption that steamy scenes are autobiographical, what it's like attending book signings as "the husband," and how much they are actually involved in the business side of their wives' author careers. Plus, Giana and Kandi talk current obsessions in the Spice Report, including the World Cup, The Bear, House of the Dragon, and balancing TV time with parenthood. Kandi also shares her new forbidden sports romance, Illegal Formation, and the group plays Red Flag, Green Flag with the messy trope of dating your best friend's ex. If you love romance books, author behind-the-scenes conversations, spicy book talk, romance tropes, and getting a peek at the real-life relationships behind your favorite romance authors, this episode is for you.

💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe → https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

03:05 - Patreon shoutout + After Dark episodes

03:33 - Season sponsors: Lauren Blakely + Kat Singleton

04:23 - Introducing the husbands: Haden and Jack

05:10 - Proposal nerves and engagement stories

07:18 - Spice Report

07:42 - World Cup obsession + taking a baby to the game

11:11 - The Bear, House of the Dragon, and TV obsessions

15:25 - Kandi's shameless plug: Illegal Formation

16:33 - Why authors feel awkward asking friends for help

18:09 - How Haden and Jack entered the romance world

19:26 - Haden's first romance signing experience

21:00 - Jack finding out Kandi was a romance author

23:36 - Being recognized as the romance author husband

25:34 - What surprised the husbands about romance readers

30:30 - Are spicy romance scenes autobiographical?

34:53 - What romance trope fits their marriages?

39:08 - How involved are the husbands in the author business?

42:10 - What it's like working with your spouse

46:40 - Separating work, marriage, and the romance business

49:46 - The pressure of being a full-time author family

51:40 - Do the husbands benefit from spicy romance?

52:26 - Haden has read all of Giana's books

55:48 - What readers may not know about Giana and Kandi

59:20 - Jack on Kandi's work ethic and generosity

1:00:47 - Why supportive partners matter

1:02:19 - Talk Spicy to Me Book Club Pick: The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne

1:03:47 - Red Flag, Green Flag: dating your best friend's ex

1:07:03 - Reader question: writing third-act breakups

1:09:46 - Where to find the husbands + closing

BOOK CLUB PICK: Read along with us! Our next Talk Spicy to Me book club pick is The Hot Shot by Piper Rayne. We'll be discussing it on the September 9th episode, including favorite moments, favorite characters, and, of course, the spice.

The Hot Shot: Tropes: Best Friend's Older Brother/Little Sister's Best Friend, Fake Dating, Athlete (Sports Romance), Found Family, Single Guardian Follow Piper Rayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpiperrayne/?hl=en

Website: https://piperrayne.com/

SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton! Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely: I

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive) Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more romance author conversations, publishing behind-the-scenes, spicy book talk, romance tropes, and author interviews.

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me! In Episode 2 of Season 3, bestselling romance authors Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by the hilarious, wildly talented, and always chaotic S.J. Tilly for a deep dive into what it really means to be a hybrid author.

In this episode, Giana, Kandi, and S.J. talk about the realities of balancing indie publishing and traditional publishing, how Kindle Unlimited helped change the game for indie romance authors, why going traditional can help authors reach new readers, and what authors need to know before signing print-only deals, planning book tours, or handing over any part of their brand. They also get into the importance of advocating for yourself as an author, fighting for your covers and creative control, learning the business side of publishing, and why author friendships and community are some of the most valuable tools in the industry.

Plus, because it's Talk Spicy to Me, there's plenty of chaos along the way: motherhood updates, dental horror stories, SJ Tilly's Jurassic Park obsession, dinosaur fossils, digital closets, Rivals on Disney+, romance author deadline spirals, spicy red/green flags, and a reader question about the hardest part of writing a book. If you're a romance reader, aspiring author, indie author, traditionally published author, or just nosy about the behind-the-scenes world of romance publishing, this episode is for you!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me

03:29 - Season sponsors: Lauren Blakely + Kat Singleton

04:32 - Introducing S.J. Tilly

05:40 - SJ's iconic one-word chapter

12:09 - Spicy Hot Salsa

21:40 - What is a hybrid author?

22:31 - SJ Tilly's indie-to-hybrid publishing journey

24:45 - Why being indie first can help authors go traditional

25:20 - The biggest benefit of traditional publishing

30:10 - Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, and indie authors

31:41 - Why authors want to reach every kind of reader

33:15 - The difficult side of being a hybrid author

35:08 - Traditional publishers, creative control, and author branding

38:20 - Print-only deals and author advances

40:09 - Questions to ask before signing a publishing deal

41:07 - Authors are running empires

42:20 - Why author friends and industry community matter

46:24 - New Release Spotlight: Upgraded by Abby Millsaps

47:29 - The reality of book tours

1:02:21 - The biggest takeaway: advocate for yourself

1:07:03 - Why preorders matter for authors

1:09:04 - Special editions, sprayed edges, and limited print runs

1:13:01 - After Dark preview

1:13:42 - Red Flag or Green Flag

1:16:11 - Reader question: What's the hardest part of writing a book?

1:16:43 - SJ Tilly on beginnings, endings, and writing chronologically

1:21:37 - The chaos of finishing a book

1:23:33 - Long chapters, long books, and author style

1:24:34 - After Dark: romance author group chat exposed

1:25:12 - Where to find SJ Tilly

1:25:38 - SJ Tilly's Bonded Soul series and upcoming releases

FOLLOW SJ TILLY: Website: https://sjtilly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjtillyauthor/?hl=en

SPONSORS: This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton! Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

This episode's featured book is Upgraded by Abby Millsaps, a Formula 1, ex-boyfriend's dad, forbidden romance with tension, found family, and plenty of high-speed drama on and off the track.

Follow Abby Millsaps: https://authorabbymillsaps.com/

AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)

Want the extended, unfiltered conversation? Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed. Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me and welcome to SEASON THREE! 🌶️

We're kicking off the new season with the amazing Chip Pons, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary gay romance, including Winging It With You and Dearly Departed. In this episode, Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner sit down with Chip to talk all things queer love, queer joy, MM romance, found representation, grief, romance tropes, reader expectations, and the power of happily ever afters.

This conversation dives deep into why joyful queer stories matter, how romance can help readers feel seen, the difference between fantasy and realism in spicy books, and why queer characters deserve love stories where their sexuality isn't the source of trauma. Chip also opens up about his own journey, the stories that shaped him, writing grief through a softer lens, and why joy is at the center of his work.

Plus, we're bringing back some favorite Talk Spicy segments, including the Spice Report and Red Flag, Green Flag, along with a listener question about why indie authors might still want an agent for things like audio rights, foreign rights, and contract protection.

If you love romance books, queer romance, MM romance, contemporary romance, author interviews, bookish conversations, and behind-the-scenes publishing talk, this episode is for you.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me

1:44 - Season 3 life updates, motherhood, and postpartum chats

5:04 - Season 3 sponsors: Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton

7:40 - Introducing Chip Pons

9:14 - Celebrating Chip's USA Today bestseller news

9:38 - Kandi's Blindside adaptation news

10:27 - Chip's book tour, family, and Dearly Departed inspiration

13:27 - Welcome to the Spice Report

19:20 - Talking all things queer love and joy

22:03 - Chip's background and why he centers joy

27:10 - What "queer joy" means in romance

31:47 - The book community, acknowledgements, and connection

34:24 - Being an own voices author in queer romance

38:13 - Why joyful books can still be emotional

41:35 - MM romance, FF romance, and reader expectations

43:41 - Representation, publishing trends, and reader habits

44:48 - Sponsor spotlight: C.K. Darling

45:51 - Why readers connect with queer romance

50:54 - Romance books, fantasy, realism, and sex education

54:37 - How romance books can change perspectives

56:05 - Book tours, reader connection, and writing for community

1:01:31 - A powerful reader story about wanting more for yourself

1:06:06 - Red Flag, Green Flag: Pet Names

1:11:56 - Listener question: Why indie authors may still want an agent

1:15:23 - After Dark Patreon episode teaser

1:16:19 - Where to find Chip Pons

1:16:35 - Closing out Season 3, Episode 1

Follow Chip Pons:

Instagram/Threads: https://www.instagram.com/booksovrbros

Website: https://www.chippons.com/

SPONSORS:

This season of Talk Spicy to Me is brought to you by Lauren Blakely and Kat Singleton!

Lauren Blakely is the bestselling author of sexy, funny, feel-good romance, including Just Playing for Keeps, a grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with fake dating, viral heartbreak, and a broody tattooed hockey hero.

Follow Lauren Blakely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Website: https://laurenblakely.com/

Kat Singleton is the author of In Good Company, a forbidden billionaire romance featuring an ex's brother, private chef, age gap tension, and a dreamy Hamptons setting.

Follow Kat Singleton:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/authorkatsingleton/?hl=en

Website: https://authorkatsingleton.com

This episode also includes a sponsor spotlight for C.K. Darling's Embers of Fate, a cozy, witty, spicy small-town romance with forced proximity, found family, a protective hero, and a man who falls first.

Follow C.K. Darling

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ckdarlingauthor/

Website: https://ckdarling.com/

Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.

In this season finale episode, Kandi and Giana discuss the realities of life in the publishing trenches, the importance of genuine author friendships, what really happens at writing retreats, and answer reader questions about writing and the romance genre.

The podcast will return this summer after Giana begins maternity leave.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Season finale announcement & Giana starting maternity leave early

01:36 – Life in the indie publishing trenches

08:45 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster

10:07 – The Spice Report (current reads, shows, and obsessions)

27:58 – Kandi's word of the year: "Rooted"

30:11 – Industry advice: building genuine friendships

32:25 – Why meeting in person matters ("vibe checks")

43:56 – What really happens at writing retreats

52:58 – How to organize your own writing retreat

01:08:17 - Sponsor: Brittanee Nicole

01:12:59 – Red Flag / Green Flag trope discussion

01:18:11 – Reader question: why write romance?

01:23:29 – Book club discussion: Deep Pockets by Nana Malone

01:35:29 – Final Bump-Date

BOOK CLUB PICK

Deep Pockets by Nana Malone

Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/

Website: https://nanamalone.com/

Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th.

SEASON SPONSORS

Brittanee Nicole

Darling Daffodils Farm :https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808533/darling-daffodils-farm-a-hope-harbor-novel-by-brittanee-nicole/

Website: https://www.brittaneenicole.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittaneenicole/

Lena Hendrix

Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1)

Link: https://geni.us/chasingthesun1

Website: https://www.lenahendrix.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix

Willow Aster

What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2)

Link: https://geni.us/WhatItTakes

Website: https://www.willowaster.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/

WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE

Talk Spicy to Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast

Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast

Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast

HOSTS

Giana Darling

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor

Website: https://gianadarling.com/

Kandi Steiner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner

Website: https://kandisteiner.com/

🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)

Want the extended, unfiltered conversation?

Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed.

Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content:

https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast

Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.