The Fiction Lounge

Hannah and Jess celebrate their 100th episode (!) by interviewing their first horror author! Debut novelist Deena Helm talks about writing her Palestinian haunted house horror novel Our Cut of Salt, explains the depth of her stylistic choices, talks about the journey from draft to publication, and discusses what it's like to write such heavy and personal material.

Deena Helm is a mixed Palestinian-American author, and Our Cut of Salt is her debut novel. Her other works can be found in Fikra Magazine and So To Speak. She asks that you, the reader, do everything in your power to resist genocide and deepen your commitment to liberation for all.

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SHOW NOTES

Our Cut of Salt by Deena Helm

Deena's Instagram

Deena's website

Hannah and Jess celebrate TWO YEARS of the Fiction Lounge with some big news from Hannah, some fascinating stats, and a trip down memory lane.

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Jess and Hannah interview author Anna Rasche about the journey from gemologist to published author, the value of historical accuracy and how to creatively make it work in fiction, and how the process of writing often changes once you're a published author.

Anna Rasche is an author, gemologist, and historian who has previously worked in the jewelry collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her debut novel, THE STONE WITCH OF FLORENCE, was an October 2024 Indie Next pick, and was recommended by the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher's Weekly, BookRiot and many others. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, CrimeReads, and elsewhere.

Her second novel, THE CURSED DIAMOND, is coming November 3rd, 2026 from HarperCollins/Park Row.

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SHOW NOTES

Anna's website

The Cursed Diamond by Anna Rasche

Anna's Instagram

Anna's Facebook

Hannah and Jess discuss the differences and similarities between sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian fiction. They talk about the genre expectations for each, and dive into what it looks like to genre blend.

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Literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary talks to Hannah and Jess about pressing industry questions, things to consider when working with an agent, and why the publishing industry and authors are at odds when it comes to prologues. This episode is full of practical, real-time wisdom from an industry professional, and it's one you will want to listen to twice, even take notes!

After several years spent sleuthing through the submissions in Victoria Marini’s query inbox, Sheyla Knigge (SHAY-luh KUH-nig-gee) is now actively using the skills she sharpened in that capacity to build her own dynamic bookshelf filled with the talented authors she currently represents. Sheyla is an expert at discovering fresh voices and relentlessly advocating for the successful publication of the stories she loves. Her unwavering enthusiasm for her authors is contagious, and she possesses an unrivaled ability to match authors with ideal homes for their books. When she’s not working, you can find Sheyla tucked away writing, getting more tattoos, or spending time with her family in the Appalachian Mountains.

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Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! And you can always visit our website!

SHOW NOTES

Highline Literary Website

Sheyla's Manuscript Wish List

Sheyla's Instagram

Hannah and Jess speak with author Michelle Cullen about her newest release, explore the difference between detective mysteries and anthropological mysteries, and how sometimes, reader data can be used to impact authorial decisions.

Michelle L. Cullen has lived and traveled all over the world: from working as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris to backpacking around Europe, Central America, and Southern Africa, to helping to rebuild communities after war throughout Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. She studied anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia and sociology at the London School of Economics in England. She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where she’s busy doing yoga or plotting murder. She’s a proud member of SinC, ITW, MWA, and The Authors Guild.

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SHOW NOTES:

A Field Guide to Death and Deceit by Michelle Cullen

A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle Cullen (book one)

Michelle's Instagram

Michelle's Facebook

Jess and Hannah discuss what it means to read like a writer, why it's important for ALL writers to find time to read this way, how to do it, and things you should pay attention to when reading closely.

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Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! And you can always visit our website!

SHOW NOTES

How to Read Like a Writer | Mike Bunn

Six Tips for Reading Like a Writer | Mark Beaver, Writer's Digest

Literary Analysis | Texas A&M University Writing Center

Jess and Hannah discuss their favorite reads of the past three months, with a variety of titles to look into!

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SHOW NOTES

HANNAH'S PICKS:

Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan

The Lion Women Of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Loved One by Aisha Muharrar

Honorable Mention: Dogs, Boys, And Other things I've Cried About by Isabel Klee

JESS'S PICKS:

Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Kin by Tayari Jones

Honorable Mention: Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

Hannah and Jess interview author Joss Richard on pub day of her most recent novel, Let's Kiss and Tell! They discuss the differences in process between each book, the societal value of a genre like romance, and how understanding screenwriting can help your writing process.

Joss Richard is an instant, international bestselling romance author based in Los Angeles. With over 12 years of experience, she has been formally recognized with a Daytime Emmy Award and has produced for on-air broadcast, digital, and social media at some of the most notable shows and networks (Hello Sunshine and Reese’s Book Club, The Walt Disney Company, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Netflix, Red Table Talk, Paramount, CBS, The Grammy Awards, The Critics Choice Awards, The Academy Awards) and has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest A-List celebrities (Jennifer Aniston, Christopher Plummer, Sandra Bullock, and more). She has worked on the social marketing strategy for several films and TV series, including The Morning Show, Daisy Jones and The Six, The Last Thing He Told Me, Tiny Beautiful Things, and more.

Her debut novel, IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME was an instant USA TODAY, Toronto Star, and Globe & Mail Bestseller. It was named one of Apple Books Best Debuts of 2025 and is shortlisted for Canada Reads. Her second novel, LET'S KISS AND TELL, is out now.

She is originally from Toronto, ON and currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and rescue pittie, Annie.

Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know.

If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off!

Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! And you can always visit our website!

SHOW NOTES

Let's Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard

Joss's Instagram

Joss's website

Story by Robert McKee

Hannah and Jess discuss the core elements of a scene, how they need to work within the scene, and give you tips on how to improve your scenes if you find yourself struggling.

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If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off!

Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads! And you can always visit our website!

SHOW NOTES

The Fiction Lounge: Scene Work episode

Story Basics: Scene | Brandon Taylor

Five Tips for Writing Great Scenes | Writers & Artists