The Fresh Fiction Podcast

Exploring Historical and Fantasy Romance with Mary Jo Putney

Join Samantha Tennant as she chats with the renowned romance author Mary Jo Putney in this engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Book Club. Discover Mary Jo's extensive writing journey, which began in 1987 and includes numerous bestsellers and award-winning novels. They discuss the challenge writers face in finding time to read, the inspiration behind Mary Jo's new series, and the blend of historical and fantastical elements in her stories. Dive into her creative process, the complexities of her characters, and her love for storytelling. Learn about her transition to writing novellas and her adventures in both contemporary and historical romance. Plus, get a sneak peek into Mary Jo’s personal interests, including her collection of stuffed animals and her love for travel. Don't miss out on this delightful conversation with one of the grand dames of the romance world.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:58 Challenges of Being a Writer and Reader

02:52 Fantasy Elements in Romance Novels

05:13 Historical and Fantasy Writing Journey

07:22 Writing Process and Character Development

09:05 Impact of Stories on Readers

10:30 Trends in Romance and Historical Fiction

15:24 Novellas and Short Stories

21:17 Fresh Fiction Facts: Fun Q&A

31:18 Current Projects and Closing Remarks

Exploring Norse Mythology and Romance with Asa Maria Bradley

Join Samantha Tennant for an engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Video Book Club featuring special guest Asa Maria Bradley. Dive into the world of Viking romance, as Asa shares her journey from writing women's fiction to becoming a celebrated romance author, including nominations for the RWA's Rita Award and winning the Holt Medallion. Discover the creative process behind her immersive worlds filled with Vikings, shifters, and rich Norse mythology. Learn about her inspiration, character development, and upcoming projects set to enthrall readers. Plus, enjoy a fun segment with personal insights from Asa. Don't miss this insightful and entertaining conversation!

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Asa Maria Bradley's Writing Journey

01:49 Discovering Romance Writing

04:24 Viking Romance and Norse Mythology

08:36 World Building and Character Development

13:56 Characters and Their Stories

19:36 Fresh Fiction Facts

19:45 Swedish Influences and Childhood Favorites

21:37 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions

28:04 Favorite Books and Authors

30:59 Current and Upcoming Projects

34:10 Where to Follow and Final Thoughts

Asa Maria Bradley: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38481

Norse Warriors Protection: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=8178

Eloisa James Discusses Writing, Italy, and the Magic of Romance

In this episode of Fresh Fiction's video book club, Samantha Tennant welcomes guest Eloisa James, a renowned author and Shakespeare professor. Eloisa shares insights about her recent summer in Italy, the inspiration behind her writing, and the process of blending her academic career with her passion for romance novels. She discusses the importance of setting and atmosphere in her work, the impact of family collaboration on her stories, particularly with her daughter’s input, and the challenges of evolving her writing style to meet contemporary sensibilities. Eloisa also answers rapid-fire questions about her personal preferences and sheds light on her upcoming works and favorite literary influences.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Summer in Italy: A Rejuvenating Experience

01:18 Writing Process: Italy vs. New York

02:40 Balancing Teaching and Writing

05:16 Influence of Shakespeare on Romance Writing

07:36 Collaborating with Family on Writing

11:29 Adapting to Changing Reader Expectations

14:16 Maintaining the Essence of Romance

17:15 Escapism in Literature

18:33 Personal Stories of Comfort

19:18 Favorite Tropes in Romance

20:53 Fresh Fiction Facts: Rapid Fire Questions

21:06 Time Travel Preferences

21:53 Paranormal Genres and Favorites

22:40 Nostalgia and Disappointments

24:47 Field Trip Memories

25:43 TV Shows and Rewatching

28:15 Reading Habits and Recommendations

29:40 Connecting with Readers

31:06 Conclusion and Farewell

Eloisa James: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4755

Unraveling Mysteries with Lisa Regan: Inside the Josie Quinn Series

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with bestselling thriller author Lisa Regan, creator of the beloved Josie Quinn series. Discover how Lisa’s diverse background and lifelong passion for storytelling shaped her writing career, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from plotting twists to developing unforgettable characters. Plus, enjoy a round of rapid-fire questions that reveal Lisa’s favorite distractions, must-have luxuries, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her books, this conversation is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of bookish fun!

From Romance Novel Critic to Cowboy Loving Author: Leah Vale

Join us for a delightful conversation with the fabulous Leah Vale. Leah shares her journey from a romance novel critic to a successful author of 19 books, with a special focus on her love for cowboys and ranch life. Learn how her unique voice shaped her writing career, and get a sneak peek into her recent work, including a book being adapted into a film. Leah also discusses her future projects, her inspirations, and even her adventures with pets and camping. Don't miss this entertaining and insightful interview, complete with insider tips and engaging anecdotes.

 

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:32 Leah's Journey to Becoming a Writer

03:07 Love for Cowboys and Horses

05:32 Research and Inspiration for Cowboy Stories

07:33 Exciting News: Book Adaptation into Film

11:22 The Cowboy Undoing: A Unique Romance

14:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

19:44 Upcoming Projects and Staying Connected

21:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Leah Vale: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=7491

THE COWBOY’S UNDOING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=136686

Regency Romance, Fake Courtships & Real Chemistry with Jade Lee

“Writing steamy scenes is easy—it’s getting my characters to talk afterward that’s the hard part.”

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with fan-favorite romance author Jade Lee—also known as Kathy Lyons—to talk all things love, laughter, and literary scandal! We’re diving into THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO FAKE COURTSHIP, a Regency romance that’s full of witty banter, unexpected twists, and a deliciously slow-burn love story you won’t want to miss.

Jade shares how she brings humor and heart to historical fiction, her favorite tropes to write, and the secret behind creating irresistible chemistry between characters. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her books, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and bookish joy.

 Tune in, subscribe, and don’t forget to tell your fellow romance readers!
 Find more great reads at FreshFiction.com

Exploring Paranormal Romance with Charley Black

Join Samantha Tennnant in this episode of Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club as she sits down with paranormal romance author Charley Black. Discover Charley's journey from a young writer to a published author, her inspiration from classic vampires like Anne Rice's 'INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE', and the process behind creating her dystopian world in her latest series, Elite. Learn about Charley's writing habits, favorite books, and how she builds intricate worlds that captivate readers. Don't miss out on hearing about her newest release 'BOUND' and get insights into her creative mind. Perfect for fans of romance, dystopian settings, and vampire lore!

 

00:00 Welcome to Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club

00:44 Charley's Writing Journey Begins

01:32 The Allure of Paranormal Romance

03:13 Crafting Unique Vampire Worlds

05:19 Building a Dystopian Romance

06:47 Character Development and Challenges

12:11 Revisiting and Revising Stories

16:43 Fresh Fiction Fun Facts

17:52 Music and Writing

18:41 Luxury Items and Reading Habits

19:09 Favorite Children's Books

19:38 Ideal Paradise

20:21 Spending $50,000 in One Store

20:59 Refusing to Buy Audiobooks

21:56 Mount Rushmore of Authors

23:23 Forgetting the Cell Phone

23:51 Guilty Pleasure Movies

24:31 Pet Peeves and Story Distractions

25:56 Stepping into Book Worlds

27:07 Favorite One-Hit Wonders

27:50 Most Dog-Eared Books

30:03 Where to Find More from the Author

Charley Black: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=48967

BOUND: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=139535

Donna Michaels: Romance, Heroes, and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Join Samantha Tennant on the Fresh Fiction Podcast as she welcomes USA Today bestselling author Donna Michaels. They dive into Donna's new book, 'BENNETT,' part of her swoon-worthy romantic series. Discover the inspiration behind Donna's strong heroines, military heroes, and the small-town vibes that captivate fans. Donna shares personal stories, writing challenges, and exciting updates about her upcoming works, including a new cozy mystery series. Perfect for fans of protective heroes and heartwarming romances!

 

00:13 Meet Donna Michaels: Bestselling Romance Author

01:03 Technical Glitches and Beginnings

01:53 Donna's Writing Journey

03:05 Military Influence and Personal Stories

04:59 Balancing Writing and Family Life

06:07 Character Development and Inspiration

07:57 Crafting Romance and Mystery

12:40 Harlan County Mysteries

15:30 Research and Realism in Writing

16:54 Exploring the Appeal of Ranch Settings in Fiction

17:39 The Evolution of Writing and the Role of Editors

19:23 Challenges and Tricks for Getting into the Writing Mindset

21:48 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions

29:58 Upcoming Releases and Final Thoughts

Donna Michaels: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=35465

BENNETT: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=138882

Behind the Scenes with Julie Ann Walker

Join Samantha Tennant as she chats with bestselling author Julie Ann Walker in this exciting installment of the Fresh Fiction Book Club. Julie discusses her journey to becoming an acclaimed writer, including the fascinating story of how her first book, 'HELL ON WHEELS,' was published. They reminisce about pre-COVID book club gatherings, share insights into Julie's writing process, and discuss the development of her popular series such as Black Knights Inc and Deep Six. Discover Julie's inspirations, her love for horror literature, and her travel adventures. This episode is filled with engaging stories, humor, and a peek into Julie's everyday life. Don't miss it!

 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:40 Julie's Early Book Club Memories

02:07 The Journey to Publishing 'HELL ON WHEELS'

07:40 Improving the Craft of Writing

10:08 Inspiration Behind the Black Knights Series

15:03 Returning to Series and Future Plans

18:34 Deep Six Series and Treasure Hunting

19:44 Fresh Fiction Facts

19:55 Travel and Nature Adventures

20:06 Ideal Paradise: New Zealand

21:14 Language Struggles

23:38 Karaoke Nights

24:58 Hiking Shoe Collection

26:19 Online Shopping Fails

28:02 TV Show Obsessions

29:08 Favorite Books and Authors

32:49 Current Writing Projects

36:42 Social Media and Updates

Julie Ann Walker: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=29621

BLACK MOON RISING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=133943

Black Knights, Inc.: Reloaded series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=6890

Black Knights, Inc series https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=340

Deep Six series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=1835

Murder, Matrimony, and Mystery: Alyssa Maxwell on TWO WEDDINGS AND A MURDER

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we’re whisked away to Gilded Age Newport with bestselling mystery author Alyssa Maxwell, as we uncover the secrets behind her newest release, Two Weddings and a Murder. 💍🔍

Join host Sara Reyes for a lively chat about historical intrigue, the art of balancing romance with murder, and why readers can’t get enough of Maxwell’s elegant sleuthing. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her series, this episode is full of delightful insights, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and all the bookish inspiration you could want.

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