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Published by Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner
Talk Spicy to Me is a podcast where bestselling romance authors Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling go rogue and talk all things romance — the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. From behind-the-scenes writing stories and industry myths to swooning over messy book boyfriends and the spiciest reads, nothing is off limits. Grab your favorite drink, curl up in your reading nook, and get ready — it's about to get spicy.
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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! I n 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.
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 Season 2, Episode 9, the hosts are joined by bestselling romance author Liz Tomforde to break down the anatomy of a bestseller. They also share personal updates, reality TV obsessions, and the importance of author friendships while navigating pregnancy, publishing, and the chaos of a writing career. Liz Tomforde Upcoming Release: In Her Own League https://liztomforde.com/in-her-own-league Website - https://liztomforde.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liztomforde.author/ 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:05 – Pregnancy updates & baby shower weekend 02:06 – Prenatal classes and unexpected anxiety 03:07 – Why friendships matter in pregnancy and writing 04:15 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster 05:20 – Surprise guest reveal: Liz Tomforde 17:39 – The Spice Report 17:45 – Kandi's obsession: Below Deck 21:38 – Giana's obsession: Bridgerton 25:46 – Liz's obsession: Love Is Blind 28:57 – The Anatomy of a Bestseller 32:49 – Why characters are the heart of a great romance 37:49 – Avoiding self-insert characters 38:89 – Writing empathy into character choices 40:14 – Purposeful pacing and emotional tension 44:45 – Building highs and lows in storytelling 46:26 – Adding compelling elements beyond the romance 51:03 – Conflict as the "bones" of a bestseller 01:17:50 – Red Flag / Green Flag 01:22:28 – Reader Question 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 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 Intagram: 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.
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. This week, we're joined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shanora Williams for an honest, vulnerable conversation about boundaries, burnout, publishing contracts, and whether you can actually balance it all as a modern author. Shanora Williams New York Times & USA Today bestselling author known for emotionally immersive romance across contemporary and high-stakes worlds. Upcoming Release: Mayhem and the Mortal: https://www.shanorawilliams.com/mayhemandthemortal Website - shanorawilliams.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reallyshanora/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanora-Williams/author/B00BHQUULU 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:01 – Chaos, travel, deadlines & overwhelm 02:56 – Season Sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster 04:10 – Introducing Shanora Williams 07:02 – Indie vs Traditional Publishing Speed 09:11 – Protecting Yourself in Publishing Contracts 10:27 – Why You Shouldn't Accept Every Deal 11:43 – Turning Down a Major Publisher (And Why It Paid Off) 12:44 – The Spice Report 13:27 – Interview with the Vampire 18:50 – Night of the Seven Kingdoms 21:26 – Wuthering Heights Film Adaptation 22:20 – Can You Actually Balance It All? 25:51 – Productivity Guilt & Burnout 27:11 – "Rest Is Productive" 31:07 – The Irregular Life of an Author 37:10 – Series Deep Dive: Anna B. Doe 40:10 – Motherhood & Writing with Three Kids 45:40 – The Invisible Load Women Carry 49:00 – Delegation & Building a Support System 01:13:49 – Red Flag / Green Flag 01:17:40 – Reader Question: Steamy Scenes 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 Anna B Doe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabdoe/ Website: https://www.annabdoe.com/ 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.
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 Season 2, Episode 5, hosts Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling are joined by special guest Ambar Cordova for a deeply honest conversation about messy characters, third-act breakups, reader reactions, and why raw, emotionally complicated romances hit harder Please note: Due to technical difficulties, audio quality may not be up to par in the first half of the episode. We appreciate your patience. Ambar Cordova •NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter •FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks •FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607 •INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks •TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova •WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:31 – Pregnancy updates & writing while sick 02:46 – Balancing indie and traditional publishing 05:17 – Patreon shoutouts: Ghost Pepper Goddesses 06:23 – Season sponsors: Willow Aster & Lena Hendrix 07:28 – Introducing Ambar Cordova 11:20 – The Spice Report 19:06 – Motherhood, high-risk pregnancies & body changes 21:31 – Discovering romance in 2020 22:16 – Writing the stories you wish existed 23:41 – Reader reactions to messy characters 31:38 – Writing as therapy & emotional processing 37:45 – Why women write men who show up 40:19 – Writing slow-burn spice & emotional tension 42:52 – The third-act breakup debate 46:17 – Why flawed heroines get more hate 50:00 – Sunshine heroines who are secretly struggling 52:15 – The miscommunication trope discussion 58:05 – S.J. Sylvis 59:19 – Red Flag / Green Flag: When he texts you constantly 01:05:11 – TSTM Book Club: Deep Pockets by Nana Malone 01:07:03 – Reader Question: Special Editions 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 S.J. Sylvis Overtake: A Rivals to Lovers F1 Romance (Vanstone Racing) Tropes: Rivals to Lovers/Enemies to Lovers, F1 Romance, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, link: mybook.to/vanstoneracing1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsjsylvis/?hl=en Website: https://www.sjsylvis.com/ 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.
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 Season 2, Episode 6, hosts Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling share life updates, celebrate publishing milestones, and break down exactly what they would do differently if they were building an indie author career from scratch today. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 00:55 – Travel episode & Kandi's ski trip in Deer Valley 02:31 – Learning to ski 04:38 – Season sponsors 05:18 – Spice Report 18:03 – Main Topic: Building an indie career from scratch 18:34 – Step 1: Identify your author identity 20:37 – Step 2: Start with a series of standalones 22:28 – Series strategy & saving the fan favorite for last 23:42 – Step 3: Market research & branding 25:52 – Recovering covers & packaging pivots 27:40 – Thinking like a business person 29:16 – Testing covers, blurbs & ads 31:02 – New Release Spotlight: Safe Haven by Kristen Proby 32:00 – Courses & free resources 36:11 – Write more than one book 37:45 – Rapid release strategy 39:02 – Newsletter & reader funnel 41:20 – Film everything (sell the journey) 42:43 – Building super fans 44:02 – Stay positive in the community 45:36 – Sponsor spotlight: Piper Rayne 46:34 – Red Flag / Green Flag: Office Romance 50:32 – Reader Question: Special edition book process NEW RELEASE SPOTLIGHT Safe Haven by Kristen Proby Hockey romance, best friends to lovers, found family, and a protective hero. Link: https://amzn.to/4gkydGd SEASON SPONSORS Piper Rayne – The Hot Shot Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hotshot-Piper-Rayne-ebook/dp/B0F3FP2WHQ 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 uncensored conversation? Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, writing advice, and unapologetically honest romance talk.
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 Season 2, Episode 5, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner catch up on life updates, celebrate major career milestones, and dive deep into one of the most important (and underrated) moments in romance writing: The Meet Cute! 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 01:23 – Life updates & Kandi's 10-year publishing anniversary 03:03 – Why authors struggle to celebrate success 05:56 – Season sponsor spotlight: Willow Aster & Lena Hendrix 10:35 – Valentine Vaults: favorite Valentine's Day memories 15:12 – Why your partner should also be your best friend 17:47 – Generational shifts in parenting & partnership 19:06 – What is a "meet cute"? 23:29 – How meet cutes shape a story from page one 26:47 – Tips for writing a strong meet cute 35:54 – Favorite meet cute examples in romance 46:40 – Writing exercise: crafting your meet cute 49:32 – Sponsor spotlight: Jessica Prince 51:14 – Red Flag / Green Flag: Insta-love 59:03 - Reader Question: What's your favorite part about being an author? BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th. SEASON SPONSORS Jessica Prince Beautifully Broken Pieces Link: https://geni.us/BeautBrokenPieceebook Website: https://authorjessicaprince.com/ 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 uncensored conversation? This week: Reality TV Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, writing advice, and unapologetically honest romance talk.
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 Season 2, Episode 4, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by a surprise guest, USA Today bestselling author Sara Kate, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about kink Sara Cate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saracatebooks Website: https://saracatebooks.com/ 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 02:10 – Season sponsors 03:07 – Surprise guest reveal: Sara Cate 09:06 – The Spice Report (Hot Salsa) 20:54 – Kink as a narrative and character tool 23:32 – Writing kink responsibly & research 25:28 – Kink and mental health themes 28:29 – Trauma, healing, and power dynamics 30:06 – Kink and empowerment in romance 33:10 – Why romance (and kink) are still trivialized 43:11 – Researching kink and sensitivity readers 44:21 – Exploring new dynamics in upcoming work 48:07 – Writing second-generation characters 53:34 – Aftercare and emotional intimacy 01:18:04 – Red Flag & Green Flag 01:25:00 – Reader Question: how we go about writing with characters in a shared world or another author's world BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th. SEASON SPONSORS 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 uncensored conversation? This week: Our Favorite Spicy Scenes Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.
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 Season 2, Episode 3, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are joined by special guest Melanie Harlow for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about surviving a decade in romance publishing. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me 02:35 – Patreon & After Dark episodes 03:20 – Season sponsors 04:23 – Introducing Melanie Harlow 10:47 – The Spice Report (Hot Salsa only) 22:36 – Melanie Harlow's origin story 27:17 – Changing covers & reader backlash 35:11 – Staying in your lane & long-term growth 36:10 – Balancing creativity and business 49:28 – Discipline, routine & keeping joy in writing 53:14 – Taking risks & trying traditional publishing 56:06 – Adaptation vs emulation of trends 57:20 – Protecting your peace & consistency 01:17:31 - Red Flag / Green Flag 01:23:52 - Reader Question: Have you ever completely abandoned a project? Melanie Harlow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie_harlow/ Website: https://www.melanieharlow.com/ BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th. SEASON SPONSORS 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 uncensored conversation? This week: Aging With An Audience Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.
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 Season 2, Episode 2, hosts Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner are back for a full solo episode covering real-life updates, spicy media recommendations, and a deep-dive discussion on building an author team as an indie author. 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 07:13 – Season Sponsors Shoutouts 07:34 – The Spice Report 08:35 – Heated Rivalry adaptation discussion 23:39 – Building an author team as an indie author 28:30 – Why delegation is necessary to scale 29:07 – Finding editors & designers 46:53 – The importance of a personal assistant 52:27 – Kandi's PA story & long-term growth 50:10 – Backlist Deep Dive: Jillian Dodd 01:09:57 – Book Club: A.L. Jackson 01:11:06 – Red & Green Flag 01:14:49 – Reader Question BACKLIST DEEP DIVE Author: Jillian Dodd Series: The Keatyn Chronicles Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753CT91Q BOOK CLUB PICK A.L. Jackson From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Link: https://geni.us/FHTEAmznOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aljacksonig Website: https://www.aljacksonauthor.com/ Join us for the From Here to Eternity discussion on February 18th. SEASON SPONSORS 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 uncensored conversation? This week's After Dark episode dives into our Spring TBR's! Join the Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance discussions.
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, and everything in between. Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into writing a romance series , featuring special guest Laura Pavlov . We talk series vs standalones, series bibles, character continuity, managing reader expectations, and what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books. Plus, a new release spotlight, book club announcement, red & green flags, and a reader Q&A. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Season 2 premiere 02:51 – Season sponsors 05:45 – Laura Pavlov joins the show 07:34 – The Spice Report 20:50 – Series vs standalone romance 34:18 – Building a series bible 40:37 – Second-generation characters 43:52 – Managing reader expectations 50:10 – New release: Jennifer Millikin 01:14:15 – Book club pick: A.L. Jackson 01:15:26 – Red & Green Flags 01:20:27 – Reader Q&A: matchmaking New Release Spotlight: Jennifer Millikin: Hard Feelings (Serendipity & Shenanigans) Book Club Pick: A.L. Jackson: From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, Book 1) Join us for the discussion on February 18th . Season Sponsors: Lena Hendrix: Chasing the Sun Willow Aster: What It Takes After Dark (Patreon Exclusive): This week's bonus episode explores how sex evolves over time in real-life relationships, from new love to long-term commitment. Join the Patreon for extended, uncensored episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Follow Talk Spicy to Me on Instagram, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms for weekly episodes, author interviews, and spicy romance conversations. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast
Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me: A podcast where two bestselling authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. In Episode 10, It's Giving Influential: How Life Impacts Art, we're hanging out with Elsie Silver to talk about all the ways real life finds its way into our books: the funny moments, the emotional ones, and the things readers swear are based on our husbands (they're not, we promise). We get into creativity, inspiration, writing joy, and what it looks like to protect your spark when the world always wants "more." Spice Report: • Kandi – hockey playoffs (Panthers vs Oilers) • Giana – second wedding anniversary • Elsie – getting a puppy next month… and Amazon adapting the Rosehill Series Timestamps 00:00 – Patreon Thank You 01:02 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me 05:07 – It's Giving Influential with Elsie Silver 08:25 – The Spice Report 15:37 – How Life Impacts Art 01:09:16 – Red Flag / Green Flag: When a Hero spoils the Heroine 💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe Links Follow us on Instagram: @talkspicytomepodcast Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast Connect with the Hosts: Giana Darling Instagram: @gianadarlingauthor Website: https://gianadarling.com/ Kandi Steiner Instagram: @kandisteiner Website: https://kandisteiner.com/ Elsie Silver Instagram: @tauthorelsiesilver Website: https://www.elsiesilver.com/ Want even more spice? Join us on Patreon for our weekly After Dark bonus episode: plus behind-the-scenes content and unfiltered chats you won't hear anywhere else: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review: it helps more romance lovers find us!
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