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🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where great stories deserve great craft, world building goes beyond imagination, and the details you don't see can matter the most.  This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Hannah Gomez, Senior Editor and Director of Cultural Accuracy and Sensitivity Editorial Services at Kevin Anderson & Associates, for one of the most eye-opening craft conversations we’ve had yet — especially for aspiring authors. We dive into what cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually means (and what it doesn’t), why fantasy and invented worlds are never as disconnected from real history as we think, and how small overlooked details can quietly break reader trust. Hannah shares how her work helps authors strengthen their stories, avoid unintentional harm, and build more immersive, believable worlds — not by policing creativity, but by sharpening it. From goblin stereotypes with real historical roots to cookbook naming pitfalls to fantasy races that accidentally mirror real-world bias, this episode pulls back the curtain on blind spots most writers never realize they have until someone shows them. 📚 What if your “made-up” fantasy race isn’t actually neutral? 🔍 What tiny detail can break reader trust instantly? 🧠 And how can curiosity — not fear — make your writing stronger? If you’re an aspiring author, fantasy writer, or worldbuilder, this episode is a must-listen craft masterclass. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ What cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually is and why the name evolved.  ✨ The difference between “sensitivity” and simple factual or cultural accuracy.  ✨ Why fantasy worlds are never truly disconnected from real cultures and history.  ✨ Hidden historical roots behind common fantasy tropes (including goblins and witches).  ✨ The “IMDb goof” effect — how one wrong detail can pull readers out of a story.  ✨ Blind spots authors commonly have in both fiction and nonfiction.  ✨ Writing outside your lived experience and best practices that actually help.  ✨ Three essential self-check questions every author should ask while drafting.  ✨ How cultural accuracy edits work behind the scenes.  ✨ Budgeting for cultural accuracy edits as part of your publishing plan.  🐦 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📖 Guest: Hannah Gomez, Cultural Accuracy & Sensitivity Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates: @KaWriting ✨ Mention this episode when reaching out to Kevin Anderson & Associates and Hannah will extend a listener discount on her services.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where fantasy romance spans every mood, tropes are meant to be devoured, and writing careers are built one brave decision at a time.  In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling romantasy author Tessonja Odette to talk about her genre-spanning catalog, her indie-to-traditional publishing journey, and her upcoming dark fantasy romance, The Lies That Summon The Night. From cozy fae rom-coms to shadowy, art-forbidden worlds filled with monsters and hunters, Tessonja shares how experimentation, persistence, and reader awareness shaped her career. We dive into Tessonja's 15-year road to publishing her first book, why “failing forward” in indie publishing helped her find her true voice, and how paying attention to reader behavior and market shifts led her to pursue a traditional deal. We also explore her creative process, how she pushes through self-doubt and writer’s block, and why finding your writing crew might be the single most important step for aspiring authors. Then we step into the dark, dangerous world of her newest release, where art is illegal, artists are fugitives, shadow monsters are drawn to creativity, and survival may depend on an uneasy alliance with a deadly hunter. 🎨 What if creating art could get you hunted? 🩸 What if your only protection came from the one man who could turn you in? 🕯️ And what happens when dark fantasy, romance, and rebellion collide? This episode is a must-listen for romantasy readers, trope lovers, and aspiring authors navigating their own publishing path. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Tessonja’s creative roots in art, music, and punk bands, and why she ultimately chose writing. ✨ The 15-year journey behind her first novel and the reality of rewriting, doubt, and persistence. ✨ Imposter syndrome, research overwhelm, and pushing through creative paralysis. ✨ Why publishing her early work — even when it didn’t succeed — helped her grow faster. ✨ Experimenting across fae fantasy, fairy tale retellings, cozy rom-coms, and dark fantasy romance. ✨ The shift in indie vs. traditional fantasy romance audiences and what changed. ✨ How watching reader behavior helped guide her publishing strategy. ✨ Why genre-shifting is becoming more accepted for authors. ✨ The importance of finding your writing crew and peer support circle. ✨ Recurring themes in her books: found family and romance as emotional healing. ✨ Inside The Lies That Summon the Night: forbidden art, outlaw storytellers, shadow monsters, and a half-vampire hunter hero.  ✨ Why emotional damage is basically her brand promise to readers.  ✨ Teasing book two (already written) and what’s next in the trilogy.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Tessonja Odette – @tessonja ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast — where old stories are reborn, fairy tales grow teeth, and fantasy dares to ask harder questions about love, identity, and choice. This week, host Bethany Amanda is joined by bestselling author Lyra Selene, the mind behind The Fair Folk Trilogy — A Feather So Black, A Crown So Silver, and the just-released finale, A Heart So Green. If you love Celtic folklore, mythic romance, morally complex characters, and fairy tales that refuse to stay simple, this conversation is for you. Lyra takes us deep into the origins of The Fair Folk Trilogy, from living in rural Ireland as a child to falling in love with Irish mythology, wild landscapes, and the question of why we keep returning to the same stories over and over again. We talk about her lifelong relationship with storytelling, the winding road to publication, and why perseverance — not talent — is often the deciding factor in an author’s career. We also dive into what makes this trilogy so emotionally resonant: a changeling heroine caught between worlds, a Swan Princess story turned inside out, and relationships built on tension between what a character wants and what they truly need. Lyra opens up about writing complicated heroines, controversial love triangles, and villains who genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing — even when they’re not. 🦢 What happens when the Swan Princess isn’t the hero? 🌿 How do myth, landscape, and folklore shape a fantasy world from the inside out? 💔 And why are the most devastating endings often the most honest? This episode is a love letter to mythic fantasy, character-driven storytelling, and the beauty of bittersweet endings that linger long after the final page. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Lyra’s childhood spent moving between countries, including a formative year in Ireland, and how that shaped her imagination. ✨ The Fair Folk Trilogy as a Celtic-inspired reimagining of Swan Lake and The Swan Princess. ✨ Writing fantasy that feels mythic, lyrical, deeply romantic, and grounded. ✨ Why Lyra considers herself a character-first writer and how internal vs. external wants drive story tension. ✨ Love triangles, banter, and relationships that force characters to confront who they really are. ✨ Turning the Swan Princess into the villain, and why Lyra believes great villains never think they’re the villain. ✨ The theme of self-acceptance and choosing yourself over romance. ✨ The realities of publishing: multiple books that didn’t sell, switching agents, and learning to keep your eyes on your own paper. ✨ What to expect from A Heart So Green, including new POVs, higher stakes, and an ending that is earned, bittersweet, and unforgettable.  ✨ What Lyra is working on next, including a Roaring Twenties–inspired adult fantasy standalone.  🐦 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Guest Author: Lyra Selene – @lyraselene ✨ Loved this episode? Leaving a rating or review helps more fantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast where creativity meets courage, stories are shaped long before they're written, and finishing a book starts with believing.  This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with writing coach Rachel Giffin, whose blend of mindset work, emotional intelligence, structure, and tough love has helped countless writers finally finish the book they’ve been dreaming of. Rachel brings an authenticity and clarity to the writing process that is rare — one that cuts through fear, perfectionism, and overwhelm to get to the truth: you can do this, even when it feels impossible. Rachel shares her path from film school to writing to coaching, how she discovered her gift for guiding writers through resistance, and why she believes emotional regulation is just as important as craft. We unpack what really stops writers from completing their books, the questions she uses to break through mental blocks, and how to show up for your writing even when motivation disappears. 🔥 What happens when you stop waiting to “feel ready”? 📝 Why the stories we write are often the ones we’re scared to face 💪 And how a writing coach can help you build not just a book but a writing identity Whether you’re drafting your first novel or revisiting a project you’ve abandoned 10 times, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, strengthened, and ready to return to the page. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…✨ How Rachel became a writing coach and why confidence, not talent, is often the missing piece ✨ The mindset patterns she sees most often in writers and how to break them ✨ Why open-mindedness matters more than experience when working with a coach ✨ The real role of a writing coach vs. what people think coaches do ✨ Why perfectionism, fear, and emotional overwhelm stop writers more than craft issues ✨ Rachel’s signature question-based coaching method and how it rewires resistance ✨ How to build a writing habit even on days when motivation evaporates ✨ The importance of separating facts from feelings ✨ Her favorite client success stories — and the moment she knew she was meant to do this work 🐦 CONNECT WITH US🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 👤 Guest: Rachel Giffin – @rachel_giffin_writes ✨ If this episode gave you the push you needed to return to your book, leave us a rating & review — it helps more writers find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast — where fantasy blends craft and culture, heroines rise from discipline and conviction, and every story has a fire at its core. In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Sarah Mughal Rana, whose upcoming fantasy novel Dawn of the Firebird is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Rooted in Sarah’s lifelong martial arts practice, her cultural heritage, and years of deep historical and philosophical study, this book delivers the kind of character-first, world-rich epic fantasy we can’t stop thinking about. Sarah takes us behind the curtain of her writing journey — from drafting the earliest version of this book in high school, to joining Pitch Wars, to working with an agent who encouraged her to strip away the very cultural heart that made her story whole. She talks openly about walking away, finding an agent who championed the book as it truly is, and the long road from deal announcement to publication date. We also dive into the intense physicality of her heroine, the discipline and spirituality embedded in the world, and the way Sarah’s love of anime, history, and myth wove themselves together to shape an epic that feels as intimate as it is cinematic. 🔥 What does it take to write a heroine forged in discipline rather than destiny? 🕊️ How does a story evolve when an author refuses to compromise what matters? ⚔️ And how do martial arts, culture, and philosophy become the backbone of an entire fantasy trilogy? This is a powerful conversation about resilience, creativity, and honoring the story only you can tell. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…✨ How real martial arts training shaped Khamilla's movement, mindset, and emotional arc. ✨ The cultural influences behind the Firebird and why the book draws on ancient mythology without replicating Western fantasy traditions. ✨ The role of discipline, faith, and philosophy in building a world and a heroine. ✨ Sarah’s Pitch Wars experience and what she learned about standing firm in her creative identity. ✨ Navigating agents, bad advice, and finding the right advocate for your work. ✨ The long acquisition-to-publication timeline and how it changed her writing. ✨ Why anime became a structural and emotional influence for the trilogy. ✨ What Sarah is working on next, including a chess-inspired fantasy. 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Sarah Mughal Rana – IG: @sarahmughal769 🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMic ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, please leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Elise Helliwell, whose dazzling time-travel romance Within the Space of a Second will leave you questioning fate, time, and the meaning of love itself. Set against a backdrop of mystery and magic, this novel follows an introverted academic and a charismatic time traveler whose destinies collide across years and realities. It’s emotional, intricate, and breathtakingly romantic — the perfect blend of Divine Rivals, The Seven Year Slip, and A Discovery of Witches. 🕰️ What if you could go back in time to uncover the truth about your past? 💫 What if every difference you thought made you strange was the key to your destiny? 🔥 And what if the love of your life had already met you in another timeline? Elise joins us from Queensland, Australia, to talk about her unconventional path from radiographer to author, the early mornings spent writing before sunrise, and the power of believing in your story even when no one else knows it exists. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📚 How Within the Space of a Second was born — finished just one day before Elise gave birth to her first child ⏰ Writing between 4 and 5:30 a.m. (and why discipline beats “free time” every time) 🏆 How Elise landed her publishing deal with Atria (Simon & Schuster) through a live pitch competition 💔 The emotional heart of her story — that our differences make us extraordinary 💋 The “forbidden touch” first kiss scene that placed second in the Romance Writers of Australia’s First Kiss Competition 🕯️ Time travel, hidden identities, found family, and the soul-deep ache of a he falls first love story 📖 What aspiring authors can learn from Elise’s writing process and her top advice on edits, pitching, and perseverance 🪶 Sneak peek: Book two in The Mark of the Time Traveler series — and a contemporary rom-com she describes as Bridget Jones’s Diary meets The Love Hypothesis 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Elise Helliwell – IG: @elisehelliwellauthor 🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic) 🛒 Within the Space of a Second releases November 25 (Kindle Unlimited) and May (US hardcover) through Atria/Simon & Schuster — add it to your TBR now! ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you believe in love across time, second chances, or early-morning writing miracles, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where worlds are built one choice at a time, magic always has a cost, and we believe side characters deserve just as much obsession as main ones. This week, we’re returning to Alchemised for Part 2 of our deep-dive discussion. If Part 1 was about the plot, main characters, and emotional impact, this episode is about everything beneath it — the gods, the history, the side characters, and the uncomfortable question of which side is "good" when it comes to war. Hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined again by artist and Alchemised superfan Karina Giada, who returns to help us peel back every narrative layer. We dig into the origins of alchemy, the celestial history of Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how one divine catastrophe reshaped the world. We also talk about why the Order of the Eternal Flame may not be as righteous as they seem, how religion became a weapon of control, and the moral line the resistance refused to cross to win the war. Finally, we spend time on some major side characters, including Luc, Lila, and Soren.  This episode is for readers who love deep worldbuilding, ethical gray zones, and the kind of magic systems that reveal character as much as they drive plot. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS… ✨ The celestial origin of alchemy and why lumithium changed everything. ✨ Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how the gods/celestial objects still shape the world even in the background. ✨ The moral dilemma of necromancy and whether the Resistance made the right call.  ✨ Why the Order’s version of “purity” starts to look like control.  ✨ Side characters who quietly redefine the narrative, including Lila and Soren, and whether Helena had a crush on Luc.  ✨ How history decides who the heroes were, and how this story challenges that. 📚 Missed Part 1? Go listen to that one first — it sets the groundwork for everything here.  🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. CONNECT WITH US: 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤Host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤Host Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill 🎨 Guest: Karina Giada – @karinagiada 💬 If you love these deep dives, leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers find our chaos.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths take shape, stories become prophecy, and romantasy is a way of life. Today, host Bethany Amanda sits down with bestselling author Imani Erriu, creator of Heavenly Bodies and the highly-anticipated sequel Fallen Stars. From writing her first kiss scene during lockdown to landing a five-book traditional deal after indie success, Imani walks us through the celestial world of Star-gods, fated romance, shadow selves, and breathtaking cliffhangers that will have readers screaming. ✨ If you love lush world building, enemies-to-lovers tension, and myth-soaked fantasy with heart and depth, this episode will feel like coming home. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS… 🌙 The Origin Story of Heavenly Bodies: How a single Pinterest quote sparked an epic celestial romance and became the emotional backbone of the entire series.  📚 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing — and Why Imani Did Both: Imani shares why she chose to indie publish first, how it changed her self-worth as an author, and the moment the traditional deal found her instead of the other way around.  ⚔️ Enemies to Lovers + Duality Themes: How light vs. dark becomes a story of healing, shadow integration, and self-love,  not just romance.  🌑 The Shadow Self as Fantasy Magic: Why Elara’s darkness isn’t something to defeat but rather something to embrace, and how real-world trauma and self-acceptance shaped the emotional core of the story.  💥 That Book One Betrayal You know the one we're talking about, and why you should go into book two with an open heart.  🌊 What to Expect in Fallen Stars A dark maritime adventure with pirates, mermaids, Victorian gothic atmosphere, and a furious heroine burning to wake her beloved. PLUS a new villain and multiple POVs.  📖 Five Books, One Fate Yes — this is a FIVE-BOOK series. Yes — the cliffhangers get worse. No — Imani does not feel bad. You have been warned. 😈 🪐 CONNECT WITH US 📚 Follow Imani Erriu – @authorimanierriu 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 💫 Follow host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 📝 Order Heavenly Bodies & pre-order Fallen Stars wherever books are sold ✨ Love this episode? Leave us a review! Every review helps more romantasy lovers find their way to us and prevents us from throwing ourselves into the sea with Fallen Stars cliffhangers. 

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with creativity, writing gets real, and the path to publication is anything but ordinary. In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan chat with Kate Black, founder of Bitch'n Books Editorial, about the real side of editing — from finding the right editor for your book to understanding what kind of edit your manuscript actually needs. Whether you’re a first-time author staring down your draft, an indie writer ready to publish, or just wondering what even is a developmental edit, this episode is your new writing handbook. Kate breaks down the entire editorial process with honesty, humor, and heart, and introduces her unique “motivational edit” that might just help you finish that book. 🪄 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📖 From Reader to Editor: How Bitch'n Books Was Born How Kate’s Bookstagram journey turned into a full-fledged editing business, and why she built her brand around being unapologetically herself. 💥 The “Vibe Check” Philosophy Why every author deserves an editor who gets their tone, vision, and world, and how a “sample edit” helps you find your perfect creative match. 🧠 Editing 101: What You Actually Need The difference between developmental, line, copy, and proof edits, and when to use each one in your writing journey. 🔥 Motivational Edits: The Pep Talk Your Draft Needs The most underrated editorial service you didn’t know existed, designed for writers who feel stuck, need encouragement, or want to reignite their passion for their story. 🌍 Fantasy & Romantasy Challenges Why worldbuilding often goes wrong, how to balance over- and under-explaining, and what editors really look for in fantasy manuscripts. 💬 Finding the Right Editor Fit What to ask, when to book, how to compare samples, and the biggest mistakes authors make when hiring an editor. ✏️ Prepping for Your First Edit Kate’s top 3 must-dos before sending off your draft (spoiler: read it out loud — it’ll change everything). 💡 Industry Advice You’ll Actually Use How to avoid wasting time and money, set realistic timelines, and know when your book is ready to go from draft to polished masterpiece. 💫 LISTEN IF YOU’RE… Writing your first (or fifth) book 🖋️Wondering what kind of edit your story needsStruggling to finish a manuscriptBuilding your author team before self-publishingCurious how fantasy editors tackle worldbuilding🩷 CONNECT WITH US 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 📚 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 🪄 Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill ✍️ Kate from Bitchin’ Editorial – @bitchnbooks | https://www.bitchnbookseditorial.com/ ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode helped you understand your next editorial step (or made you feel less alone in the writing chaos), leave us a review — it helps more authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast — where myths meet magic and the world of romantasy comes alive! In this spoiler-filled deep dive, Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Janett, a devoted Quicksilver reader and influencer who knows this book inside and out, to unravel every breathtaking twist of Callie Hart’s Quicksilver — from desert kingdoms and stolen gauntlets to fated mates and vampire-fae hybrids. Whether you’ve just finished the book or need a refresher before diving into Brimstone, this episode has you covered. We talk world-building, character arcs, favorite scenes, and our wildest Brimstone theories. 👀 ⚡ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 🏜️ The Desert and the Snow How the brutal Third Ward shapes Saris Fane’s survival and what the frozen realm of the Fae reveals about her destiny. 💫 From Thief to Queen The incredible transformation of Saris Fane and why her character arc sets a new standard for strong female leads in romantasy. 🧪 The Mystery of Quicksilver Alchemy, power, and transformation, including what the shimmering silver truly symbolizes and why it may hold the key to the gods’ design. 💀 Carrion Swift’s Bloodline The twist that changed everything. We break down why his blood mattered in the final battle, what it revealed about ancient Fae lineage, and what it means for Brimstone. 👑 Fated Mates & Forbidden Love Kingfisher and Saris — enemies, lovers, rulers. How their dynamic balances tenderness, power, and pain. 🩸 Vampires, Fae & the Gods How divinity, alchemy, and destiny intertwine, and our best (and possibly unhinged) theories about what the gods are planning next. 🔥 Brimstone Theories & Predictions From secret heirs to divine revenge, we unpack our wild fan theories and why we’re terrified and thrilled for what’s coming next. 💫 LISTEN IF YOU LOVE… Fae & vampire romantasy 🔥Found family & slow-burn power couplesPolitical intrigue and alchemy-based magicCharacters who grow, break, and rebuild themselves💬 CONNECT WITH US 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast @MythicMic 📚 Bethany Amanda @BethanyinFantasyland 🪄 Sara Santillan @The_Magical_Quill 👑 Janett — @JanBookshelf 💥 Spoiler warning: We discuss Quicksilver in full and tease our wildest predictions for Brimstone — so you’ve been warned. ✨ Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share this episode to join the conversation before the next book drops — and tag us with your own Brimstone theory!

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, co-host Sara Santillan sits down with international guest Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind and the explosive new fantasy The Bone Raiders — a brutal, hilarious, and wildly original tale of raiders in an alternate-universe Mongolia who trade their horses for giant, fire-breathing lizards. 🐉 From journalism to genre-bending fantasy, Jackson opens up about finding his authentic writing voice, weaving humor into heartbreak, and creating an all-female raider band that redefines power and complexity. The conversation is equal parts chaos and insight, and every minute is pure gold. 🔥 What happens when you decide to write fantasy exactly the way you talk? 💀 What if your “villains” are just people trying to survive? 🗝️ And what if the most dangerous thing in a story isn’t the dragon but the author behind it? ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📚 How The Bone Raiders was born — from journalism burnout to wild creative freedom 💬 Why Jackson’s biggest success came after he stopped censoring his humor (and leaned into “dumb jokes”) ⚔️ Crafting action scenes that hit hard and make you laugh — and why he’s writing fewer of them now 👑 Building an all-female raider crew inspired by strength, safety, and authenticity 🌍 The deep cultural world-building behind his Mongolian-inspired setting  🧠 His no-nonsense approach to writing as a job — word goals, discipline, and knowing when to take a walk 🎯 Bonus chaos: the Lightning Round — weapons of choice, favorite worlds, and writing snacks 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Jackson Ford – IG: @realjacksonford 🎙️ Host: Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill 🎙️ Host: Bethany Corbin – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you laugh, rethink your “villains,” or wish you were a bone-clad raider on a fire-breathing lizard, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, host Sara Santillan sits down with Matt Kaye, co-founder and CEO of Bindery Books, to explore one of the most innovative and disruptive ideas in modern publishing: a tastemaker-driven publishing model that flips the traditional system on its head. Matt walks us through his 20-year journey across traditional publishing, Amazon, and Patreon, and how watching creators build massive, loyal, book-loving communities inspired him to ask one radical question: What if the people readers already trust — i.e., bookish tastemakers — became publishers themselves? From Indie authors who never had a platform to books traditional publishers would “never take a chance on” to runaway successes like Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank, Matt reveals how Bindery is creating a new ecosystem where authors, tastemakers, and readers thrive together. This episode is a must-listen for authors, book influencers, industry professionals, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the future of publishing. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📚 The Collapse of Traditional Book Marketing Why legacy methods no longer reach readers and how tastemakers organically filled that void. ✨ The Birth of Bindery Books How a lunch conversation sparked a vision for a publishing model powered by reader trust and community engagement. 📣 What a Tastemaker Actually Is Not “influencers” but readers with powerful taste, loyal communities, and the ability to champion books they truly love. 🚀 From PitchFest to Publication How the Bindery acquisitions process works, why authors retain more creative control, and how tastemakers guide cover design and marketing. 📈 Success Stories That Changed Everything Including Destin J. Munden’s Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank,  and how both books took off without the backing of traditional publishing giants. 🎨 The Era of Iconic Covers Why Bindery books look different — i.e., real artists, real creativity, no AI shortcuts, and no trend-chasing copycat designs. 🛠️ Building a Platform for Readers How Bindery is creating a digital space that goes beyond content by building a true community home for book lovers. 📉 What Traditional Publishing Is Missing The reality of “platform requirements,” the stress put on authors, and why so many incredible books fall through the cracks. 💡 The Future of Publishing Hundreds of niche imprints run by passionate tastemakers, diverse stories, more risk-taking, and a model where authors finally get the support they deserve. 💫 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic 📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 🪄 Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill 📖 Explore Bindery Books – www.binderybooks.com and @Bindery_Books ✨ If this episode opened your eyes to the future of publishing, don’t forget to rate & review — it helps more readers and authors discover The Mythic Mic!

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan dive into their November book lineup, which includes a magical mix of mythology, monsters, knights, and heartbreak. From Greek goddesses and Slavic folklore to political intrigue and dark underworld bargains, this month’s reads took us across worlds and through every possible emotion. The duo share spoiler-filled reactions, emotional chaos, and (of course) some passionate book rants. If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, this is the deep dive for you. 💀 What happens when a knight loses half his soul? ⚔️ Can love survive a war built on lies and blood? 🐍 And what if Medusa’s curse was never a punishment but a rebellion? ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT... 📖 To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth – Slavic folklore, holy knights, monsters, and the moral cost of redemption. Why Baba Yaga’s bargains are never what they seem, and how found family and queerness ground this brutal, heartfelt novella. 🐍 I, Medusa by Ayana Gray – A feminist retelling that transforms the monster into a martyr. We unpack its powerful themes of justice, vengeance, and survival and why Athena might be the true villain of Greek mythology. 👑 The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino – A sweeping tale of forbidden love, political chaos, knights and mages, and devotion that burns brighter than magic itself. The magic system, the heartbreak, and that slow burn had us screaming. 🏛️ Fallen City by Adrienne Young – A lush, Roman-inspired fantasy of rebellion, forbidden love, and destiny versus duty. Two lovers, two sides of a war, and one breathtaking story of fate and faith. 💀 Daughter of the Underworld by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr – A dark descent into Greek-inspired punishment and power, where soul servers barter freedom in the house of Hades and justice is anything but merciful. 🖤 Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano – A chaotic, irreverent fantasy with Disenchantment energy, following a thief and a half-demon prince on a quest filled with curses, chaos, and reluctant romance. Dark, funny, and delightfully unhinged. ❄️ A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody & C.L. Herman – The ultimate winter fantasy of destiny and defiance. Two chosen ones bound by opposing forces — summer and winter — must unite to save their world before their magic destroys it. 💫 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod 📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland | Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! Whether you love your fantasy cozy or cataclysmic, your reviews help more readers discover the magic of The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with bestselling author Veronica Lancet, the darkly imaginative mind behind the gothic phenomenon Fairydale — a haunting, genre-bending fantasy that has captivated readers across BookTok and beyond. From writing her first stories secretly in class to self-publishing her debut novel during her master’s program in crime science, Veronica’s journey is proof that passion finds its way, even when it starts on a phone hidden behind a stack of textbooks. We dive deep into her whirlwind path from indie author to USA Today bestseller, the fever dream that was writing Fairydale, and the powerful themes of otherness, identity, and acceptance woven through her work. 💀 What if the monsters you fear are simply misunderstood? 🗝️ What happens when cozy romance turns gothic, twisted, and unforgettable? 🔥 And how do you stay true to your voice when your stories defy every genre box? ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📚 Veronica’s writing journey — from writing in secret during class to building a dedicated reader base 🖋️ How Fairydale went from indie success to landing a traditional publishing deal and hitting the USA Today Bestseller list 🌒 The fever-dream experience of writing Fairydale in just six weeks 🏰 Crafting gothic, historical, and fantastical worlds that blur the line between love and madness 👁️ Why limited POV storytelling creates mystery, tension, and emotional depth 💔 Themes of grief, otherness, and learning to see beyond fear and difference 🖤 The rise of morally black heroes (and why Veronica loves writing them) 🪶 A first look at her upcoming dark academia novel Sinister — complete with psychological twists and morally complex characters 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Veronica Lancet – IG: @authorveronicalancet 🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic) ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode left you rethinking heroes, villains, and everything in between, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎃 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃 🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! For this spooktacular Halloween special, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by Noah from @NoahsBriskReviews for a chilling, bloody, and thought-provoking deep dive into Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and its sequel, Empire of the Damned (all leading up to the third book's release next week!). This isn’t your typical fang-filled discussion. It’s a raw, emotional exploration of faith, monstrosity, and what it truly means to live (and die) in the light. From holy wars and blood feasts to broken saints and heretic hearts, this episode will have you rethinking what it means to be human in a world ruled by darkness. 🩸 💀 What happens when faith is your curse? 🔥 Can light be just as dangerous as shadow? 🕯️ And how do you trust a story told by a man who might be lying — even to himself? Grab your garlic, stake, and favorite candle because this one gets hilariously dark. ⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 🩸 Faith, Blasphemy, and Blood: How Empire of the Vampire flips religious myth into gothic legend. 💔 Gabriel de León’s Fall: The man, the myth, and the martyr who refuses to break even when the world does. 🔥 The Burden of Light: Why hope burns brightest in the most brutal worlds. 🦇 The Women Who Bleed Power: Dior, Astrid, and the fierce feminine energy behind Kristoff’s vampires. 📖 Empire of the Damned: What the sequel reveals about guilt, grief, and gods that demand too much. 🧠 The Unreliable Narrator: How Kristoff’s choice to let Gabe tell his own story changes everything and why we can’t be sure what’s truth or self-made myth. 💫 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @mythicmic) 🧛 Guest: Noah – @NoahsBriskReviews 🎧 Host: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 🎧 Host: Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill 💀 Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you question your faith in humanity (or vampires), leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.