Episodes

  • Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean

    Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean
    Nov 1 2024
    In this episode, Emiko Jean discusses flipping the script on the traditional missing girl narrative in her new police procedural, The Return of Ellie Black.This week, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean to discuss her latest police procedural novel, The Return of Ellie Black.In today’s episode, Emiko offers a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process for The Return of Ellie Black, including the extensive research involved in portraying true crime elements and what missing girl narratives have been missing from their portrayals. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of writing certain scenes through the darker aspects of this thriller.Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list, where we offer 23 atmospheric books perfect for your fall book stack. This list includes cozy fantasy, moody thrillers, and magical realism.Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Emiko Jean, where we discuss the surprising plot twists in The Return of Ellie Black ending, and her plans for the upcoming Detective Chelsea Calhoun series.Meet Emiko JeanEmiko Jean is a New York Times bestselling author of adult and young adult fiction. Her books have been published in over 30 languages and have been featured by Good Morning America as a GMA Book Club pick and by Reese Witherspoon as a YA Book Club pick. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland, and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 24 Atmospheric Books to Get Lost InJoin the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko JeanUnder the Bridge Limited SeriesUnder the Bridge by Rebecca GodfreyWhat Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean Other books by Emiko Jean:Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko JeanTokyo Ever After by Emiko JeanEmpress of all Seasons by Emiko JeanWe’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko JeanBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Emiko Jean on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    44 mins
  • How Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)

    How Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)
    Oct 18 2024
    Meg Shaffer takes us behind the scenes to the literary seminar with legendary writer Richard Russo, who helped her craft her cozy fantasy book, The Lost Story.Imposter syndrome is real and even our favorite authors experience it as they contemplate their next project. In this week's episode, we welcome back bestselling author Meg Shaffer to join us to discuss her latest cozy fantasy novel, The Lost Story, and the literary seminar with Richard Russo that guided this story and gave Meg the writing encouragement she always needed. Today, we discuss Meg's unique research methods, including how she used Fiverr to fact-check archery scenes and gain insights into the pressures of writing a second novel after the commercial success of The Wishing Game.Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list with 23 cozy fantasy books to read this autumn. This new book list includes upcoming titles, new releases, and, of course, those backlist book gems you have come to expect!Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Meg Shaffer, where we discuss The Lost Story ending, her favorite moments in the book, and her top book recommendations from her spicy romance writing career for Harlequin!Meet Meg ShafferMeg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a Reader's Digest Best Book of the Year. Her second novel, The Lost Story, is an instant national bestseller and is available now from Ballantine.With an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College, Shaffer lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats—though the cats, unfortunately, aren't writers.Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like The Lost Story. All purchases support this year's programming. Mentioned in this episode:BONUS BOOK LIST: 23 Cozy Fantasy Books To Lower Your Stress LevelsJoin the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)The Lost Story by Meg ShafferThe Wishing Game by Meg ShafferThe Wishing Game Interview (Meg Shaffer's First Show)The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. KluneLord of the Flies by William GoldingChronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisThe Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire LombardoThe Magic of Old Hollywood Books with Molly Fader EpisodeThe Neverending Story by Michael EndeJack Gibbons, Chopin PianistIt by Stephen KingBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Meg Shaffer on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    46 mins
  • Crafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)

    Crafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)
    Oct 4 2024
    Rob Hart discusses his gripping novel, Assassins Anonymous, and the heartfelt storytelling approach that defines his work.When Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, snaps up the rights to a book within 24 hours of acquisition, you know the book must be incredible.Today, Rob Hart joins us to discuss his new novel Assassins Anonymous and the unique background he brings to crafting a great fight sequence. This thriller offers readers humor, heart, and loads of cinematic action, making it an absolute favorite from my reading year. We discuss his plans for continuing this book series for readers and how he continually pivots genres and projects in his writing career. Readers should prepare for deliciously clever plot twists, which we discuss in our patron spoiler-filled episode about the shocking Assassins Anonymous ending Hart crafted!BONUS BOOK LISTWhether you're in the mood for twisty thrillers, laugh-out-loud moments, or heartwarming escapes, I've rounded up 17 of my favorite binge-worthy books that are perfect for breaking out of a reading slump.Meet Rob HartRob Hart is the author of Assassins Anonymous, The Paradox Hotel, The Warehouse, the Ash McKenna crime series, and the co-author of Scott Free with James Patterson. He's worked as a book publisher, a reporter, a political communications director, and a commissioner for the city of New York. Hart lives on Staten Island. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Assasins Anonymous. All purchases support this year's programming. Download Today's Show TranscriptBONUS BOOK LIST: Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump Book List (17 Book Ideas)Join the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart The Warehouse by Rob Hart The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart Blood in the Cut by Alejandro Nodarse Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Rob Hart on Instagram or his WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    34 mins
  • Peek Inside This Disability-Inclusive Bookshop and Why it Matters

    Peek Inside This Disability-Inclusive Bookshop and Why it Matters
    Sep 19 2024
    Discover the best Disability Pride Books curated by Cindy Otis from The Stacks Bookstore, who offers readers a virtual tour of her disability-inclusive space.Cindy Otis's journey to opening The Stacks offers a vital and well-thought conversation about her own limitations in accessing bookshops and what was top of mind for her customers when designing an accessible and welcoming space for all, especially those with disabilities in Savannah, Georgia. From ramps to fonts to her bookshop's tagline, Cindy's thoughtful design choices ensure every reader can enjoy the magic of books. Her small business journey will mesmerize you.Get her top five book recommendations to celebrate Disability Pride Month all year long! But the best part is that you can support her shop through your purchases today in today's special Disability Pride Month book list. Let's shower Cindy's shop with some love this month. Meet Cindy OtisCindy Otis is a writer and the author of the novel At the Speed of Lies, which is now out with Scholastic, and the critically acclaimed nonfiction book True or False, published by Macmillan.Her other written work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, the New York Times, CNN, and Teen Vogue. She previously served as an intelligence analyst and manager at the CIA. She is not just a bookseller but a champion for inclusivity and accessibility in the literary world.Mentioned in this episode:PLEASE NOTE: ALL PURCHASES FROM TODAY'S SHOW SUPPORT THE STACKS BOOKSTORE SHOP THE DISABILTY PRIDE BOOK LISTAt the Speed of Lies by Cindy L. OtisTrue or False by Cindy L. OtisCindy’s TikTokThe Stacks: How a Small Bookstore Plans to Make Big Waves on Waters AvenueThe Lumbering Giants of Windy Pines by Mo NetzBeing Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith HeumannKiss Quotient by Helen HoangTrue Biz by Sara NovicThe Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-JonesThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with HeartDOWNLOAD TODAY'S SHOW TRANSCRIPTConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonFollow The Stacks Bookstore on Instagram or TiktokConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    50 mins
  • Spinning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold With Laura Hankin

    Spinning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold With Laura Hankin
    Jun 21 2024
    Laura shares the painfully hilarious real-life inspiration behind her novel, discussing how personal experiences with negative feedback trickled into One-Star Romance.The dark horse in my romance stack was Laura Hankin's debut novel, which pulled ahead as my summer favorite. After reading the author for years across genres, I'm honored to have Laura Hankin on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her writing pivot in One-Star Romance.In a world of instant feedback, I was fascinated by Laura's hacks for processing reviewer feedback that still protects her creative process. These candid reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and a gentle reminder of the power of a one-liner scathing review that can haunt writers long after we've hit "post."Patrons can dive into the One-Star Romance ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Hankin's surprising plot twists that take us to that swoon-worthy happily ever after. Meet Laura HankinLaura Hankin is an accomplished author, screenwriter, and performer known for her captivating novels, perfect for beach reads and book club discussions. Her previous works include The Daydreams, Happy & You Know It, and A Special Place for Women.One-Star Romance is her debut romance.Mentioned in this episode:TODAY'S GIANT BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One-Star Romance. All purchases support this year's programming. Download Today's Show TranscriptNEW: 26 Books About Books ListNEW: 32 Books About Authors and Publishing Book ListNEW: 23 Stunning Books About Bookstores Book ListNEW: 18 Books About Book Clubs Book ListNEW: 25 Books About Libraries Book ListJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book ClubOne Star Romance by Laura HankinAmerican Fever by Dur E Aziz AmnaLaura Hankin's Tiktok Viral MomentThe Daydreams by Laura HankinHappy and You Know It by Laura HankinA Special Place for Women by Laura HankinBetter Than the Movies by Lynn PainterThe Last Word by Taylor AdamsAkwaeke Emezi Shares Strategy for Processing ReviewsI Capture the Castle by Dodie SmithBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Laura Hankin on Instagram, Tiktok, or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    36 mins
  • Nicola Yoon Discusses Her Provocative Debut (One of Our Kind)

    Nicola Yoon Discusses Her Provocative Debut (One of Our Kind)
    Jun 7 2024
    Nicola Yoon discusses her provocative adult debut, One of Our Kind, and the surprising inspiration from The Stepford Wives that sparked her daring new story.Writing inspiration can sometimes strike in the most unlikely places. Podcast listening in the shower electrified a story Nicola Yoon had never expected to write. Join us for an enlightening conversation with the bestselling young adult novelist as she discusses her provocative debut adult novel, One of Our Kind.Today, she shares how The Stepford Wives inspired her thought-provoking thriller, and how she hopes to ignite book club conversation through her story’s pages. Yoon also shares the mission behind her imprint, Joy Revolution Books, which she co-founded with her husband, David Yoon, to celebrate love stories by and about people of color. It’s a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and a tribute to the couple’s dedication to these storytellers.BONUS BOOK LIST: Take advantage of these 23 must-read social horror books for a summer immersion. You’ll love these thought-provoking book selections, from eerie dystopias to unsettling societal critiques.Patrons can dive into the One of Our Kind ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Yoon’s motivations behind her characters, the book’s ending, and the connections she hopes the reader will make as they finish that last page.Meet Nicola YoonNicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing, Everything, Everything, The Sun Is Also a Star, and a co-author of Blackout and Whiteout.She is a National Book Award finalist, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book recipient, a Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner and the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. Two of her novels have been made into major motion pictures.She’s also the co-publisher of Joy Revolution, a Random House young adult imprint dedicated to love stories starring people of color. She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the novelist David Yoon, and their daughter.One of our Kind is her adult debut.Mentioned in this episode:BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One of Our Kind. All purchases support this year’s programming. NEW: The Best Social Horror Books To Read Now (23 Book Ideas)Download Today's Podcast TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book ClubBONUS LIST: These Social Horror Books Will Make You ThinkJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book ClubOne of Our Kind by Nicola YoonWhen No One is Watching by Alyssa ColeThe Warehouse by Rob HartInstructions for Dancing by Nicola YoonEverything, Everything by Nicola YoonThe Sun is Also a Star by Nicola YoonBlackout by Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas & moreWhiteout by Nicola Yoon, Dhonielle Clayton & moreJoy Revolution BooksThe Stepford Wives by Ira LevinBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Nicola Yoon on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    33 mins
  • Digital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder Mystery

    Digital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder Mystery
    May 24 2024
    L.M. Chilton reveals his surprising dating history that inspired his debut thriller, Swiped. After nearly a decade and 212 failed dates, L.M. Chilton channeled his dating frustrations into Swiped, a fresh debut murder mystery exploring the darker side of online dating cleverly crafted for the millennial reader. Today, we discuss his personal story and journalism efforts to uncover the truth behind the algorithms.But his book isn't the only thing with plot twists. His decision to go on one last date revealed a real-life plot twist you'll love discovering. Patrons can dive into a bonus spoiler episode with the Swiped ending, where Chilton discusses his favorite red herrings and killer reveal. BONUS BOOK LIST: I've partnered with Larry on this week's book list, which offers 30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read Now! Whether you crave compelling psychological thrillers or enjoy a touch of the campy and macabre, there's a perfect book for you.Meet L.M. ChiltonL.M. Chilton has been a journalist for 15 years, working for TV shows like This Morning, The One Show, and Loose Women, as well as magazines and newspapers such as The Times, The Mirror, Metro, New!, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour.He started his journalism career writing for 'real life' magazines, interviewing people worldwide about the terrifying, hilarious, and heart-breaking things that had happened to them. And also funny things their pets had done.He works from home in London, thinking of twists for murder mysteries and practicing the banjo instead of writing (much to the annoyance of his neighbors).Mentioned in this episode:BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Swiped. All purchases support this year's programming. Swiped by L.M. ChiltonBONUS SERIAL KILLER BOOK LISTDownload Today's TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book ClubThe Silence of the Lambs by Thomas HarrisSwiped by L.M. ChiltonMother Daughter Murder Night by Nina SimonBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with L.M. Chilton on his WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    32 mins
  • 2024 Summer Reading Guide

    2024 Summer Reading Guide
    May 17 2024

    The 2024 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide includes 35 titles, offering upcoming releases, new releases, and backlist gems.

    Grab your favorite summer beverage and settle in for this year's summer reading guide, which includes 35 beautiful book selections for your summer.

    After carefully reviewing eighty books for this season, I've tried to offer some expected and unexpected picks, from the campy to the compelling. Today, I'm sharing more about this year's summer author series and a few of my favorite novels I've included.

    Browse the 2024 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or receive the 27-page printable guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits- thank you for supporting my small business!

    Editor's Note: We have switched from Bookshop.org to direct sales with each bookshop featured today to ensure they keep every penny of the profit.

    Connect With Me:

    Buy the 2024 MomAdvice Reading Guide

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    Support the Show With a Tip on Buy Me a Coffee
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    34 mins