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Send us Fan Mail Talk about a full-circle moment. 🥹🩰🖤 Longtime Nerds may already know Kate Baron from her previous visits to Fiction Fanatics as a fan fiction author. But this time, Kate is back for a VERY special reason: she’s officially a published author! We sit down with Kate to celebrate the release of her debut novel, Shadow Veiled, and talk about everything that happened between then and now. From taking the leap from fan fiction to original fiction, to creating the dark academia and ballet-filled world of Shadow Veiled, to finally seeing her name on the cover of an actual book—we get into the entire journey. 🕯️🥀 Kate opens up about her inspiration, her characters, the writing and publishing process, and what it feels like to finally share this story with readers. And because it’s Kate, there are plenty of laughs, tangents, and classic Fiction Fanaticschaos along the way. Getting to watch someone we already loved as a writer turn her dream into something we can literally hold in our handshas been incredibly special. Kate, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. 🖤 Grab your copy of Shadow Veiled and come celebrate with us—this is one episode longtime Nerds definitely don’t want to miss. 🩰🕯️ Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail WE’RE BACK, NERDS!!! 📚💖 After a little summer break, the Fiction Fanatics girls are finally back together and there is a lot to catch up on. This week, we’re keeping things cozy and catching you up on what we’ve been doing all summer, what’s been happening in our lives, and—obviously—what we’ve been reading. 👀📖 We’re talking summer adventures, current reads, books we loved (and maybe some we didn’t 👀), what’s been sitting on our TBRs, and everything in between. Basically, consider this one big overdue catch-up with your bookish besties. 💕 Grab your coffee—or your current read—and come hang out with us. We missed you, Nerds!! And we have SO much coming your way this fall. 🎙️✨ Welcome back to Fiction Fanatics. 💜 Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Hi Nerds 🤍 We’re popping in with a quick little life update! Between traveling, work, and taking care of babies (!!), life has been a little full lately — in the best way, but definitely busy. Because of that, we’re going to be shifting to one episode a month for the summer instead of our usual weekly schedule. We still love this podcast (and you guys) so much, and we want to keep showing up in a way that feels fun, thoughtful, and very Fiction Fanatics. We’re not going anywhere — just slowing down a bit for this season ✨ Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Nerds… we’re back in the pack. 🐺🔥 For our February Book of the Month, we’re diving into Mate, the sequel from Ali Hazelwood — and we have so much to say. In this episode, we talk about: How this sequel expands the world and raises the stakesSeeing beloved characters again (and why we were so happy to be back)The new characters who completely stole our heartsOur favorite scenes (yes, THOSE scenes)The tension, the devotion, the pack politicsAnd why Ali’s paranormal era is working for usThere’s something so satisfying about returning to a world you already love — and Mate gave us that comfort while still delivering new dynamics, deeper emotion, and major swoon moments. We’re celebrating the old characters, obsessing over the new ones, and breaking down why this sequel felt bigger, bolder, and even more intense. Come howl with us. 🐺💋 Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Nerds, it was finally time — we’re diving into Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, and we have so much to say. In this episode of Fiction Fanatics, we break down the world of Legendborn — from its Arthurian roots and secret societies to its raw exploration of grief, power, identity, and rage. We talk characters we loved (and questioned), moments that hit us emotionally, and why this story feels so important in the fantasy landscape. This conversation is thoughtful, passionate, and occasionally unhinged (in the best way). Whether you’re a longtime fan of Legendborn or picking it up for the first time, this episode is a deep dive into what makes Tracy Deonn’s storytelling so compelling — and why this book stays with you long after the final page. ⚔️ Magic, mythology, grief, and chosen family — let’s talk about it. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re wrapping up 2025 and looking ahead to what 2026 has in store. We chat about the things we truly loved this year, the things that were… just okay, and what we’re most excited about moving forward. It’s a relaxed, reflective conversation with plenty of laughs—and if you stick around to the end, Ivy and Tobey make a special appearance  Thanks for being part of another year with us. We’re so excited for what’s next. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Nerds, this episode was dark in all the best ways — and way more fun than we expected. 😈✨ Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Caitlin Starling, and from the start, the conversation was equal parts unsettling, smart, and genuinely playful. Caitlin is brilliant, sharp, and quietly hilarious, and chatting with her felt like slipping into a conversation that’s just a little dangerous — in the best possible way. We talk about her approach to writing psychological, genre-blending stories, why darkness can be such a powerful playground for creativity, and how tension, obsession, and fear can coexist with wit and curiosity on the page. The conversation flows easily, the laughs sneak up on you, and the ideas linger long after. 🖤 Thoughtful, eerie, and unexpectedly fun — this is one you’ll want to settle into. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Nerds, we loved this episode. 🤍 Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Emiko Jean, and from the moment we started talking, everything just clicked. The conversation flowed so naturally that it felt less like an interview and more like a cozy, bookish hangout — complete with laughter, thoughtful moments, and yes, a tangent or two we didn’t want to stop. We chat about Emiko’s journey as a writer, what draws her to emotionally rich stories, and the heart behind her latest novel, Love Me Tomorrow. Along the way, we talk love, memory, connection, and how stories can surprise us when we let them lead. This episode reminded us exactly why we love doing this podcast — genuine conversations, incredible authors, and those moments where everything feels easy and fun. ✨ Warm, funny, heartfelt, and full of love — we adored Emiko, and we think you will too. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail Nerds, this episode is truly something special. 🤍 Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Alyson Richman, and from the very first question, we were captivated by her warmth, depth, and singular way of storytelling. Alyson has a remarkable ability to weave history, love, grief, and art into narratives that feel both intimate and timeless. We talk about her journey to becoming an author, the themes that thread through her work, and what draws her to stories shaped by memory and loss. Our conversation dives deep into her latest novel, The Missing Pages, a haunting and heartfelt reimagining of the Titanic tragedy of Harry Widener — told through the voice of his ghost in the Harvard library built in his honor. Part love story, part ghost story, and a powerful meditation on how books preserve the people we’ve lost, this episode is for anyone who believes stories can outlive us. ✨ Thoughtful, moving, and unforgettable — this is one you won’t want to miss. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail We are absolutely smitten with this episode. 💖 This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by the wonderful Laurie Gilmore, and from the very first minute, it felt like chatting with a longtime friend. We talk about her writing journey, the heart behind her stories, and the magic of creating characters that feel like home. Laurie shares insights into her creative process, what inspires her cozy, heartfelt worlds, and how she balances romance, emotion, and comfort on the page. Plus, there are plenty of laughs, bookish tangents, and those moments where conversation just flows. This is one of those episodes that reminds us why we love what we do — genuine connection, great stories, and authors who feel like kindred spirits. ✨ Grab a blanket, your favorite drink, and settle in — this one’s a joy from start to finish. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Fiction Fanatics, the crew sit down with the brilliantly atmospheric storyteller, Riley S. Quinn. Known for her rich folklore influences, emotionally charged plots, and hauntingly beautiful prose, Riley opens up about her creative process, the origins of her most beloved characters, and how she weaves myth, memory, and raw human emotion into every chapter. We talk about: 🌲 How folklore shapes her writing and worldbuilding❤️‍🔥 The complex relationships and emotional knots her characters face✍️ Her writing rituals, creative struggles, and unexpected inspirations👀 What readers always get wrong — and what she secretly loves📚 A sneak peek at what she’s working on nextWhether you’re a longtime Riley fan or discovering her for the first time, this conversation is cozy, atmospheric, and absolutely unforgettable. Grab your coffee, settle in, and join us in the dark woods. 🌙 Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail This week, we sit down with the brilliant Heather Colley, author of The Gilded Butterfly Effect, a darkly compelling and unflinchingly honest campus novel that digs into the pressures, performances, and hidden struggles of modern college life. We talk about what inspired this story, why today’s young women are navigating more pressure than ever, and how the constant push to “belong” can blur the line between who we are and who we think we should be. Heather opens up about: 🦋 The emotional landscape behind The Gilded Butterfly Effect 🏛️ Greek life, TikTok culture & curated perfection ⚡ How institutions shape both joy and insecurity 🌑 Loneliness in the middle of social chaos ✨ Why contemporary campus novels needed a refresh Even though Stacy couldn’t make this recording, we had such a thoughtful, layered, and fascinating conversation — the kind that stays with you long after the mics are off. You’re going to love hearing Heather unpack her world. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re joined by the incredible Britney S. Lewis, author of The Undead Truth of Us and her newest YA novel Blood Moon — and we had the best time with her. Britney is one of those rare authors who instantly feels like a friend. She’s warm, hilarious, thoughtful, and endlessly inspiring. In this conversation, we dive into the heart behind Blood Moon, the creative spark that drives her stories, and her evolving journey as a YA author. We also chat about: 🌙 Where the idea for Blood Moon came from ✨ Her writing process and creative rhythm 🔥 The power of storytelling for young readers 📚 What’s next on her horizon 🎉 A super fun lightning round (of course!!) This episode is joyful, motivating, and full of the kind of energy that reminds you why stories matter. You’re going to love Britney just as much as we do. 💕 Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re joined by the incredible Maxine Rosaler — a writer whose work blends sharp observation, emotional honesty, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. In this heartfelt conversation, Maxine opens up about her writing journey, the themes that shape her stories, how motherhood and identity influence her work, and the art of capturing truth on the page. We talk creativity, vulnerability, storytelling, and the moments that spark inspiration. It’s a soft, thoughtful, deeply human episode — perfect for anyone who loves literary fiction and honest conversations about life. Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Send us Fan Mail She’s back! 🩸 This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re welcoming Gillian Eliza West for her second visit — and we couldn’t be more excited to talk about her newest release, Until the Heart Stops. Set in the darkly enchanting city of Oylen, Until the Heart Stops is a lush, emotional vampire romance filled with forbidden love, power, and danger. Gillian joins us to chat about her creative process, her favorite morally gray characters, and what it’s like to expand her world of witches, lycans, and vampires. It’s a cozy, chaotic, and totally fang-tastic episode you won’t want to miss. 💋 #FictionFanaticsPod #GillianElizaWest #UntilTheHeartStops #BookPodcast #VampireRomance #FantasyBooks Support the show ***Produced by Jen Hardin***