The Shelf Reflection Podcast

Magic and mischief ensue in this conversation with Kim Bussing, author of the Princess Swap series, as she breaks down her process for writing fresh, fun fairy tale retellings. 

Kim Bussing’s Books - 

• The Frog Princess and Peter Pan (or, Wendy Darling and the Secret Prince) (2026)
• Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) (2025)
• Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) (2025)
• Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) (2025)

Jon Michael Darga discusses his journey to becoming a senior literary agent at Aevitas Creative, how literary agents help authors get their books published, and the most common mistakes writers make when trying to get literary representation.  

There’s no shortage of magic and mystery in this interview with Savannah Stephens as she discusses her debut fantasy novel Witch Queen Rising.

Savannah Stephens’ Book - 

• Witch Queen Rising (2026)

New York Times bestselling Middle Grade and Young Adult author, Morgan Matson, reflects on her 15-year career and provides advice for anyone who aspires to write kidlit.  

Morgan Matson’s Books -  

• Gradchanted (2025) 
• The Ballad of Darcy & Russell (2024) 
• Promchanted (2024) 
• Firefly Summer (2023)
• Take Me Home Tonight (2021) 
• Save the Date (2018) 
• The Unexpected Everything (2016) 
• Since You’ve Been Gone (2014) 
• Second Chance Summer (2012) 
• Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour (2010) 

Chef, editor, memoirist, food and romance writer, and cookbook author Rochelle Bilow shares her recipes for success in this dynamic conversation. 



Rochelle Bilow’s Books -  

• Effie Olsen’s Summer Special (2024) 
• Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year (2023) 
• Call of the Farm (2014) 

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the publishing industry in this conversation with Severn River Publishing book publisher Cate Streissguth. 

Check out this conversation with Gabriella Gamez, author of Next Best Fling and Kiss Me, Maybe, where she talks about writing happily ever afters. 

Gabriella Gamez’s Books - 

• Kiss Me, Maybe (2025) 
• The Next Best Fling (2024) 

Explore artificial intelligence, the apocalypse, and the twisty world of publishing in this discussion with Debbie Urbanski, author of After World.  

Debbie Urbanski’s Books -  

• Portalmania (2025) 
• After World (2023) 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at all the teen angst, twisty mysteries, and deep-sea terrors in my interview with New York Times bestselling author Ryan La Sala as we discuss his new YA horror, Dead of Summer. 

Ryan La Sala’s Books - 



• Reverie (2019) 
• Be Dazzled (2021) 
• The Honeys (2022) 
• Beholder (2023) 
• The Dead of Summer (2025) 

Get swept away to someplace cozy and fun in this conversation with author/illustrator Lauren Stohler as we unpack her now-completed graphic novel trilogy, Gnome and Rat.

Lauren Stohler’s Books -  

• Gnome and Rat: First Snow (2024) 
• Gnome and Rat: Time to Party (2024) 
• Gnome and Rat (2023) 
• I am a Great Friend! (2023) 
• The Problem with Pajamas (2022) 
• The Worst Poet Ever (2020)