13.1K
Downloads
140
Episodes
Conversations about what you’re reading, what you’re watching, and what you’re listening to
Episodes
Saturday Oct 15, 2022
Saturday Oct 15, 2022
Vibe Check
Gwen has been all over the country, and she survived almost a full month of constant travel.
Danielle is doing well, but is tired! Our family’s fall routine is finally getting into the groove, and she attended a book signing for her friend, Hanna Earnest and her new book, END OF THE DAY.
*
Host Check-In
Gwen traveled for most of the month of September: NYC, Chicago, OKC, and back to NYC. Seeing friends and family and eating good food has refilled her creative well.
Danielle is having a very busy time at the bookstore, is waiting for final word on book 2, thinking about what is beyond book 3, and everything else!
How we cope when we’re overwhelmed: Danielle makes lists on lists on lists. Gwen makes charts and tries to journal every morning to organize her thoughts. Also, new candles, taking walks, or watching reality TV.
Get excited for Readers & ‘ritas 2022, which is in person in Texas!
Join Danielle and Denise Williams at an LSA Event on 10/22. Also, if you need a gentle writing challenge, check out #FinishUrBookFall, hosted by author Claribel Ortega!
*
Interview with Celestine Martin
WITCHFUL THINKING is now available!
Celestine’s Witchy Faves: The Teen Witch starring Robin Lively, The Craft, Charmed (the OG), Practical Magic, The Good Witch, Bonnie Bennet on Vampire Diaries
Fan casting her main characters: Nicole Beharie as Lucy and Winston Duke as Alex
Celestine will be at New York Comic Con on October 7th!
Follow Celestine:
Twitter (where she’s most active)
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle was successful in some long-term social media planning (follow her on Instagram for regular giveaways and book recs) and would like to have a successful baby shower for one of her best friends in the next week.
Gwen successfully stayed hydrated through all of her travels and is probably moving in the next few weeks!
Danielle is leaning into all things witchy with the Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck by Jennifer Sodini and Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle.
Gwen found immense comfort in eating Tex-Mex from Chuy’s and Texas BBQ while she visited home!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Vibe Check
Gwen is doing a lot of reflecting, and successfully booked a hotel for her upcoming trip to NYC. Danielle is getting used to back to school and turned in Book 2.
*
MESSY CHARACTERS!
This discussion came about purely so we could talk about Carmy from THE BEAR again.
Danielle’s TV and Movie Picks: How to Get Away with Murder, Fleabag, Starstruck, Lovesick, New Girl, Insecure, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Bridget Jones’s Diary
Gwen’s TV and Movie Picks: This Fool, A League of Their Own, The Wedding Season, Euphoria, Girls, most reality TV, and a shout-out to the couples on the I Will Teach You To Be Rich podcast.
Danielle’s Book Picks: 99% Mine by Sally Thorne, Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert, Boyfriend Material/Husband Material by Alexis Hall, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Gwen’s Celebrity Picks: Courtney Love, Britney Spears, Adele, and J.Lo and Ben Affleck
*
Interview with Denise Williams
DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN is in stores September 6!
You can find out more about Denise’s books and novellas on her website: https://www.denisewilliamswrites.com/
Watching Superstore on Hulu has given Denise great joy and comfort (and we agree)!
Denise has three books planned for 2023: a compilation of her 2022 novellas set at an airport called LOVE AND OTHER FLIGHT DELAYS, a story in the romance anthology EVEN IF THE SKY IS FALLING, and her 4th full-length novel, coming in September 2023—title and cover reveal coming soon!
Follow Denise on the socials:
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle is working on drinking more water and wants to plan out some ongoing social media for her author platforms.
Gwen hasn’t been working on her squats, but she would like to join Danielle on increasing her water intake. A new water bottle perhaps?
Danielle is enjoying the Black Girl Magic Red Wine Blend, which was a gift from her author pal Melonie Johnson!
Gwen has been indulging in Crumbl cookies! Particularly the French Silk and Chocolate Chip.
REMINDER: We are taking the month of September off because of travel and new writing endeavors. We will be back in October because it’s the most wonderful time of the year: HALLOWEEN!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Monday Sep 26, 2022
Monday Sep 26, 2022
Hi, It’s future Gwen. Danielle and I planned to take the month of September off, but leave you with a few episodes before the hiatus. Life got in the way of our plans, and due to hectic travel and writing schedules, and attempting to spend time with family before the end of the summer – we had to take a longer break than we originally expected. We’re back with three brand-new episodes this month, including interviews with Denise Williams and Celestine Martin. But first, Danielle and I share our most anticipated fall entertainment. Just for some context, we recorded this conversation before TIFF and the Venice Film Festival.
Vibe Check
Danielle and Gwen are out here surviving and thriving! It was Danielle’s daughter’s 8th birthday and Gwen did ALL OF HER LAUNDRY. Please clap.
*
Main Discussion
Danielle’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Get back on a regular writing schedule
Gwen’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Intermittent Fasting + Fall activities (apple picking!)
Danielle’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cobbler (I used 1 TBSP of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices and leave out the orange extract)
Gwen’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
*
Fall 2022 Recs!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Danielle: Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (9/2 Amazon Prime), the return of Abbot Elementary (9/21; Quinta Burnson Awards Chatter podcast interview), Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the return of Miss Scarlett and the Duke (10/16, PBS), The Woman King (9/16), Blonde (9/23, Netflix), Don’t Worry Darling (9/23), Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams (9/6), The Caretaker by Alyssa Cole (9/6); On the Hustle by Adriana Herrera (10/11), The Belle of Bellgrave Square by Mimi Matthews (10/11)
Gwen: Celebrity Jeopardy (9/25); Monarch (9/20 Fox); So Help Me Todd (9/29 CBS); Alaska Daily (10/6 ABC); Young Rock (11/4 NBC); Interview with the Vampire (10/2 AMC); A League of Their Own (August Amazon), The Silent Twins (9/16); Bros (9/30); Ticket to Paradise (10/21); New season of You Must Remember This; Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Cool It Down”
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Danielle: A Knives Out Mystery (November), Amsterdam (11/4), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (11/11), Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (11/15); Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca (12/6)
Gwen: The Menu (11/18); She Said (11/18); Empire of Light (12/9); I Wanna Dance with Somebody (12/21)
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle FINALLY cleaned her house and needs to drink more water after a very busy publication month. She has been finding immense joy in Nothing Bundt Cakes confetti buntinis.
Gwen is continuing to potty train her puppy and would like to work on her squats. The Bellevue Candle in Vanilla and Monk Fruit (from our beloved Costco) is the perfect scent to bring a sense of comfort.
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
Vibe Check
THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP by Danielle Jackson has finally arrived! It has been a whirlwind week; Danielle’s Instagram has all the details: https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/
Gwen has taken the bus to work and got to spend time at a farewell dinner for her friend who is moving to France! Ooh la la!
*
Main Discussion
Pop Culture Baking!
Gwen’s Recs
Movies: Ratatouille, any studio Gibli movie, Waitress, Sweeney Todd, Hook
TV: Crime Scene Kitchen, Is it Cake? (avoid Sweetbitter)
Books: Joanne Fluke’s cozy mysteries (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) with Hannah Swenson
Danielle’s Recs
Movies: Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate
TV: Cupcake Wars, Great British Baking Show, Nailed It, Pushing Daisies
Books: Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall, Battle Royale by Lucy Parker, Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera, For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa
*
Interview with {author name}
THE ROMANCE RECIPE, now available!
Hot Copy is also available
https://twitter.com/RubyBarretWrite
https://www.instagram.com/rubybarrettwrite/
Foodie Reality TV Recs: Ruby loves Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen. Danielle enjoys the OG: Top Chef. Gwen is a big fan of Guy’s Grocery Games.
Ruby recommends a fancy latte with a design and some kind of breakfast snack, like a yogurt parfait, to eat while reading her book!
Ruby’s recent book recs: FIRE SEASON by KD Casey LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS by Anita Kelly, NEVER BEEN KISSED by Timothy Janovsky, and FOOL ME ONCE by Ashley Winstead
What’s bringing Ruby Joy: the release of Harry’s House by Harry Styles, Heartstopper on Netflix
Ruby has more books in the works, and hopes to self-publish a SFF/post-apocalyptic second chance romance sometime this year.
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle successfully enjoyed going on vacation AND releasing her book! This week, she needs to clean her house. The latest episode of the Boozy Book Broads with special guests Pippa Grant and Ali Hazelwood is bringing her much joy (and great writing advice): The Boozy Book Broads Talk Publishing
Gwen is making progress on her goal of potty training her puppy Aria, and will continue to work on this!! Gwen has found a new recipe to love: Japanese Curry from NYT Cooking (you can find a similar recipe here that isn’t behind a paywall)
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Vibe Check
We took a break and feel great! But we’re so happy to be back!!
Danielle is attempting to go on vacation and release a book and work at the bookshop all at the same time. But she actually updated the News and Events sections of her website—go look at them!
Gwen got a NEW PUPPY (who is noisily chewing/playing with her bone throughout this episode)! That is both her vibe and her achievement this week, and we are here for it.
*
What pop culture have we been consuming this summer?
We both HIGHLY recommend The Bear (FX on Hulu).
What Gwen is watching: Loot (Apple TV+), Barry (HBO Max)
What Danielle is watching: Heartstopper (Netflix), Ms. Marvel (Disney+) Queen Sugar (OWN/Hulu), Wimbledon
What Gwen is reading: Meet Me in The Bathroom by Lizzie Goodman
What Danielle is reading: Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Heartbreaker by Sara MacLean (August), Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng (October); re-reads: the entire Reluctant Royals Series by Alyssa Cole, all of Lore Olympus on Webtoons
What Gwen is listening to: Podcasts: You Must Remember This, Spectacle podcast, You’re Wrong About (Go Ask Alice); Music: Wet Leg, WILLOW, Beyonce, Bob Moses
What Danielle is listening to: Podcasts: Newcomers (MCU season), Wait is This a Date w/ Drew Gregory and Christina Tucker; Music: Harry’s House
*
Interview with Danielle Jackson (we know her!)
THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP hits stores on July 19th!
For buy links and info to order personalized, signed copies from independent bookstores: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/books
Website: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/DJacksonBooks
https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/
https://www.goodreads.com/daniellejackson
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle didn’t really spend a ton of time outside like she wanted to (plans to make up for this in FL!)… This week, Danielle wants to focus on enjoying vacation and her book launch week!!!! She has found immense comfort in Ben & Jerry’s Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream Ice Cream and Pilot Acroball Fine Point ballpoint pens (Gwen recommends Pentel Energel RTX pens as well)
Gwen did cook for herself while her husband was on a business trip, but then her fridge died, so... This week, Gwen wants to potty train her new pup, Aria! Her comfort this week comes from La Colombe Coffee (found at our beloved Costco, natch)
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Sunday Jun 12, 2022
Sunday Jun 12, 2022
Vibe Check
We’re both doing our best to deal with the news, but Gwen has a very clean apartment after getting a new Dyson cordless vacuum, and Danielle has been reading a TON!
*
Main Discussion
Welcome to the first FF Podcast Book Club! We read A CARIBBEAN HEIRESS IN PARIS by Adriana Herrera. We really loved it!
Gilded Age Recs: Mr. Selfridge, The Paradise, The Buccaneers, The Age of Innocence, Howards End, Ken Burns’s Gilded Age Documentary
PS—No one understood the Gilded Glamour assignment at this year’s Met Gala.
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle was supposed to work in her garden, but did not. This week, she would like to spend time outside every day.
Gwen did not organize her office (but has a deadline to do so in a couple of days!). This week, she wants to cook for herself instead of ordering food while her husband is away.
Danielle has been enjoying the graphic novels by Reina Telgemeier! Gwen loves her teak shower foot roller!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Monday May 23, 2022
Monday May 23, 2022
Vibe Check
Danielle has a cold but finished book 2!
Gwen is nervous and excited to go on a work retreat and outlining her schedule in her journal has helped with her mood!
*
Host Check-In + Summer Rapid Fire
We are ready for summer! Some highlights from this rambling discussion:
Gwen enjoyed her vacations to Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, but enjoyed being home most (to watch *Nsync videos and walk around with her BFF).
Danielle remembers going to San Francisco and really enjoying the touristy stuff!
Yogurt parfaits and Oreo ice cream cakes are IMPORTANT.
We like ice cream a lot, actually.
Danielle is going to publish a book this summer! Gwen is going to the beach!!
*
Interview with {author name}
SOMETHING WILDER, now available!
https://christinalaurenbooks.com/
Adventurous Movie Recs: Romancing the Stone, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Goonies, Fool’s Gold, Tangled, Speed, The Princess Bride.
What’s Bringing CLo joy: BTS and K-Pop! Jungkook’s Bad Guy lip-sync convinced Lauren to become a part of the BTS Army!
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle sort of kind of maybe started working on something new, and would like to give her garden some extra attention. Gwen organized her pantry, and needs to spend more time organizing everything else, especially her desk and what is behind her during video calls.
Danielle recommends Tony’s Chocoloney’s Chocolate Bars and Gwen is really into the oat milk mochas she gets from her new café!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Sunday Apr 24, 2022
Sunday Apr 24, 2022
Vibe Check
Gwen is feeling cozy! Danielle is tired!
Gwen washed and put away all of her clothes after her big move; Danielle made her family pound cake for Easter.
*
Main Discussion
Let’s face it—we love a book adaptation, whether it’s on TV or a movie!
Gwen: You, Trainspotting, The Princess Diaries, Atonement, Virgin Suicides, Normal People
Danielle: Shakespeare remakes—Romeo & Juliet, Romeo + Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tragedy of Macbeth, 10 Things I Hate About You, O, Hamlet; Austen—Clueless, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta; TV Adaptations—Poldark, Station Eleven, My Brilliant Friend, Good Omens, “YA”: The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Heartstopper
*
Interview with ABBY JIMENEZ
PART OF YOUR WORLD, now available!
Nadia Cakes, Abby’s cupcake shop (she won Cupcake Wars!)
Movie Deal Announcement for The Happy Ever After Playlist
Abby’s Page-to-Screen recs: Warm Bodies, The Hating Game
Gwen’s Page-to-Screen recs: Clueless, My Brilliant Friend
Danielle’s Page-to-Screen recs: Trainspotting, Little Women
Connect with Abby:
https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Gwen wanted to finish packing and move... and she did! Now she’d like to organize her pantry. Gwen is also really enjoying Julia on HBO Max.
Danielle tried to read a nonfiction book but did not. This week, she’d like to write something new, not related to what she’s working on right now. Related to writing, Danielle has found comfort in long-form journal writing, and Gwen suggested she consider doing The Artist’s Way!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Sunday Apr 10, 2022
Sunday Apr 10, 2022
Vibe Check
It’s Spring Break and Danielle is in the thick of book 2 revisions! Also, everyone should check out ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir. Gwen is MOVING and by the time this episode airs, she will be in her new place!
*
WEDDINGS!
Danielle got married at the height of Pinterest weddings and made all of her flowers out of paper and book pages. Gwen was 40 minutes late to her outdoor wedding in the hills of Virginia and it had a “movie” theme.
Memorable TV Weddings
Gwen: Kelly and Zack on Saved by the Bell, Luke and Laura on General Hospital, Jim and Pam on The Office, the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones
Danielle: Meredith and Derek on Grey’s Anatomy (the post-it note), All of Parks & Rec’s surprise weddings, David and Patrick on Schitt’s Creek, Ralph Angel and Darla on Queen Sugar
Wedding Movies
Gwen: All versions of Father of the Bride, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bridesmaids, Sex and the City, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Danielle: Also Father of the Bride, Crazy Rich Asians, The Wedding Planner, Monsoon Wedding, About Time
Pop Culture Moments: Meghan and Harry, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bisset
Books: Nora Robert’s The Bride Quartet, Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series by Jenny Holiday, D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins, Mia Sosa’s The Worst Best Man and The Wedding Crasher
*
Interview with Mia Sosa
Connect with Mia: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Romance tropes that Mia loves: Friends-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, Grumpy-Sunshine
What’s making Mia happy: Love is Blind on Netflix
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did not read a nonfiction book, but she wants to read You Got Anything Stronger by Gabrielle Union (she also finally cleaned her desk!). This week, Danielle wants to actually read a nonfiction book!
Gwen succeeded in packing up her kitchen stuff and needs to continue to pack because she is literally moving in 24 hours.
Danielle has been reading old school romances: Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer and Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. Gwen went to her local cookie kiosk!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Vibe Check
Gwen has been traveling and booked movers! Danielle has been going outside and started working on more book 2 revisions!
*
Main Discussion
Self-care has changed so much and is incredibly personal. We’re discussing our own self-care practices and how we approach taking care of ourselves.
*
Our interview with KATE SPENCER
Kate’s Website
Kate’s Instagram
Kate’s memoir: THE DEAD MOM’S CLUB
Forever35 Podcast
Book recs from Kate: the entire Ice Planet Barbarians series (and spinoffs!) by Ruby Dixon, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry, ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED by Farah Herron, A THOUSAND MILES by Bridget Morrissey (6/21), FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by Elissa Sussman (4/12)
Kate has a new puppy! The Encanto soundtrack is giving her entire household life. And she recommends the folk singer Henry Jamison, especially for writing!
*
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did not clean her desk (and probably won’t now that revisions have started) but would like to read a nonfiction book. Gwen did not start going through her closets but thinks packing up her kitchen might be a better place to start.
Danielle loves her Old Skool platform Vans.
Gwen is reading and loving Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction