The Fresh Fiction Podcast

Behind the Spy Novels: David McCloskey on THE PERSIAN

Former CIA analyst and bestselling author David McCloskey joins Samantha Tennant from FreshFiction.com to discuss his newest spy thriller, THE PERSIAN. They dive deep into the book’s origins, the shadow war between Israel and Iran, the creative chaos of first drafts, and how real-world geopolitics keep catching up to his fiction. Plus, hear how a Swedish dentist and a Mossad officer inspired one of his most complex stories yet.

Laughing with a Killer – Samantha Downing on TOO OLD FOR THIS

Bestselling author Samantha Downing joins us to talk about her latest thriller TOO OLD FOR THIS—a sharp, darkly funny story of a retired serial killer you can’t help but root for.

Charlaine Harris on Vampires, Mysteries & The Last Wizards’ Ball

Bestselling author Charlaine Harris joins Fresh Fiction to talk about True Blood, Aurora Teagarden, Midnight, Texas, and her latest release, THE LAST WIZARDS’ BALL.

Inside Heatherly Bell’s Romance Worlds | Small-Town Love, Holiday Magic & Harlequin Secrets

Join us for an exclusive interview with Heatherly Bell, bestselling author of THE EX NEXT DOOR and the beloved Charming Texas series. With more than 200,000 books sold, Heatherly takes us behind the scenes of her writing journey—from indie beginnings to Harlequin success.

Whether you love small-town romance, second chance love stories, or holiday happily-ever-afters, this conversation is for you.

From Contemporary Drama to Fantasy Realms: K.A. Linde on Building Worlds, Breaking Boundaries, and Hitting the Bestseller Lists

Bestselling author K.A. Linde joins the Fresh Fiction Podcast to talk about her journey from contemporary romance to fantasy, the rise of romantasy, the research and myths behind The Wren in the Holly Library, and what’s next for her ever-expanding backlist.

Jennifer Ryan on See Me, Love Me: Suspense, Second Chances & Texas Fireworks

What happens when a book you once tucked away in a drawer comes back to life years later—and becomes a deeply emotional duet filled with suspense, family drama, and love that refuses to quit? Today, bestselling author Jennifer Ryan takes us behind the scenes of her bold, emotional duet See Me, Love Me. From hidden manuscripts to stepbrother romance, stalkers, and fireworks in Texas—this is an author interview you don’t want to miss.

Exploring Jane Austen Inspirations with Jayci Lee

What do a K-drama star, a yearning firefighter, and a Jane Austen retelling have in common? Today’s guest, Jayci Lee, reimagines Persuasion in her newest romance Give Me a Reason—and trust me, the angst is delicious. We talk second chances, wine collections, nipple covers (yes, really), and why apple pie and Prosecco are her celebration staples. Plus, she dishes on her upcoming K-spirited fantasy series and navigating publishing with heart and hustle. You do not want to miss this one.

Exploring Romantic Suspense with Julie Miller

Protective Marines, smart heroines, high-stakes suspense... and dogs with one eye? Yeah, you heard that right. Today on the Fresh Fiction Podcast, bestselling author Julie Miller joins us to talk about Crime Scene K-9, writing on instinct, and the strange things authors Google for research. Oh—and what really happens when she asks her husband to stand still so she can test a fictional stabbing. Stick around—this one’s full of laughs, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

Exploring the Multiverse with Ann Aguirre

On this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Samantha Tennant sits down with genre-hopping author Ann Aguirre to talk about her latest sci-fi romantic comedy, I THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH AN ALIEN. From writing steampunk and thrillers to crafting cozy witchy rom-coms, Ann takes us behind the scenes of her creative evolution—and why her books are a safe haven for readers.

We dive into fandoms, favorite alien tropes, how she hides Easter eggs for sharp-eyed readers, and what it was like collaborating with the late Rachel Caine. Plus: con culture, neurodiverse representation, and her next big magical project.

Kendra Elliot: Inside HER FIRST MISTAKE and Beyond!

On this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author Kendra Elliot to chat about her latest suspense novel, HER FIRST MISTAKE—the launch of a brand-new series featuring a fan-favorite character from her Columbia River books. We go behind the scenes of her writing process, discuss world-building across interconnected series, and get the scoop on her longtime creative partnership with Melinda Leigh. Plus: readers vs. plotters, writing thrillers without a plan, and why sometimes you just have to blow something up.