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Episodes
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Vibe Check
Yr girls are busy this week with work, writing, and life. But we are getting prepped for Rihanna (and the Super Bowl). Gwen made Death by Chocolate Trifle from scratch, including this Chocolate Pudding and these Outrageous Brownies. Danielle has a plan in place for the next few months of her author newsletter.
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ESCAPISM WITH INTENT
Danielle’s Recs: Movies: Under the Tuscan Sun, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Brooklyn, The Holiday, Toy Story 4, Wild/Eat Pray Love/Julie & Julia; TV: Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Virgin River; Books: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez
Gwen’s Recs: TV: The Peripheral, Poker Face, The White Lotus; Book: Flirty with Fifty by Jane Porter; Board Games: Pandemic, Takiedo
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Interview with Rochelle Bilow
https://www.rochellebilowwriting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rochellebilow
https://twitter.com/BilowRochelle
Rochelle recommends the Olive & June Mani System and the color Caramel Budino
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Danielle wanted to get to 20,000 words in her WIP, and she is at 16,000! Now she needs to spend some time on her pass pages for ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE. Danielle has been eating all the Girl Scout Cookies, and encourages everyone to buy cookies from Troop 6000, which has scouts in NYC’s homeless shelter system: https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/en/whatgirlsdo/gs-troop-6000.html.
Gwen wanted to fill out her conscious spending plan and has... not. But it is open on her internet browser! This week, Gwen needs to drink more water to help with hydration because it is so dry and cold right now. Leftover Chocolate Pudding is bringing her very much joy right now!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Vibe Check
Gwen and Danielle have both had sort of rough weeks, but we’re getting through it! Gwen has been going to bed early and Danielle successfully revealed the cover of ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE.
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Truth in Fiction
Gwen likes when real figures pop up in fiction works, to see how people reimagine them. Danielle struggles with real historical figures in fiction, unless under very specific circumstances.
Gwen’s Recs: Inspired by real-life figures: The Menu, RRR, A Star is Born; Biopics: The Crown, Rocketman, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Recent/Upcoming: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Oppenheimer, Maestro
Danielle’s Recs: Egregiously Inaccurate/Different: The Great, Dickinson, Reign, My Lady Janies YA series; Side Characters who are real life figures: Ever After, Downton Abbey, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
People we’d like to see portrayed on screen: Danielle—Josephine Baker, Gwen—Mary Pickford
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Interview with Krystal Marquis
THE DAVENPORTS, now available!
https://www.instagram.com/krystabelle_reads
https://twitter.com/krystalmarquis
https://www.tiktok.com/@krystalmarquis
Follow Krystal for updates about Book 2!
She’s enjoying the excitement and support in the days leading up to her book release, as well as making time for self-care and taking some time away from work.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did NOT get anywhere close to writing 20,000 words of her WIP, so she’s continuing this goal for this week. The graphic novel series Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, and Irene Flores is bringing her immense joy.
Gwen has spent about 30 minutes everyday making plans for everything she needs to do. This week, she would like to fill out the Conscious Spending Plan, specifically with her subscription services. Gwen is enjoying the new reality show THE TRAITORS!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Saturday Jan 21, 2023
Saturday Jan 21, 2023
Vibe Check
Happy 2023, Everyone! Danielle and Gwen are both getting over colds, and catching up after the holidays. But Danielle got to meet her best friend’s brand-new baby girl and Gwen went to the doctor!
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How did we ring in New Year’s?
Gwen and her husband got massages and had a quiet night at home. Then they spent time prepping meals and seeing friends for lunch on New Year’s Day.
Danielle still had a cold but did manage to go out to dinner with her husband and daughter. They played Unicorns vs. Llamas Monopoly while Danielle napped and barely made it to midnight.
Morale of the Story: we’re old now.
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New Year’s INTENTIONS (overarching things; lifestyle changes/habits)
Danielle: getting back into the freelance groove and working from home, using her desk cycler, going out into the world (sometimes), staying in contact with friends and people in general.
Gwen: better documentation of things she enjoys, journaling regularly, keeping track of the media she consumes, and capturing moments from her big, ongoing projects, raching out to friends regularly.
New Year’s GOALS (specific things we want to do)
Danielle: finish the draft of her magical realism/women’s fiction WIP, finish editing a fake dating contemporary romance, and outline a smalltown romance series that only exists in her mind right now, LOL
Gwen: plan trips to see friends, take time off and find more work-life balance, cooking project of making 3 meals at home per week from the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cook Book, stretch everyday, track and document things things she loves, and make a 2023 playlist.
**We are holding ourselves accountable and will update all of you on our intentions and goals in May 2023! Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com to tell us your 2023 intentions and goals!**
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Gwen wanted to start prepping for her plan to make every recipe in AMerica’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two. She did, and modified her big goal slightly (which is ALLOWED!). This week, Gwen wants to commit to two hours a week of journaling and planning the week ahead. Gwen has been making Brownie Baked Oatmeal for evening snacks and that is making her SO happy.
Danielle needed to finish her ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits and she did! Everything has been sent to her editor. This book will be in stores on August 8, 2023, and the cover reveal will happen on January 18! Follow Danielle on Instagram and Twitter for more details and learn how to see it early by signing up for her newsletter!! Danielle has found immense comfort in drinking hot water with lemon and honey. Water, who knew? LOL
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Vibe Check
We’re ready for the holidays! Also, it’s COLD. Danielle has finished her Christmas shopping and Gwen attended TWO Christmas markets.
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Faves of 2022
Both of your girls are dealing with feelings about media consumption—being okay with being behind and not being the target audience for everything anymore.
TV
Danielle: The Bear on FX/Hulu, Heartstopper on Netflix, Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Abbott Elementary on ABC, My Brilliant Friend on HBO Max, Miss Scarlett and the Duke on PBS
Gwen: The Bear, The White Lotus, The Handmaid’s Tale, Harry and Meghan doc, Rick and Morty, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Bad Sisters, Yellowjackets, Wednesday, The Dropout, WeCrashed
MOVIES
Danielle: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Turning Red, Catherine Called Birdy
Gwen: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; Turning Red, The Princess, Barbarian
BOOKS
Danielle: Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M Lopez, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg, Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne, My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee, Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith
Gwen: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera, Meet Me in the Bathroom by Lizzy Goodman, The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson
MISC.
Danielle: Vitamin String Quartet (music), Renaissance by Beyonce (music), It’s Been a Minute with new host Brittany Luse (podcast)
Gwen: Wet Leg by Wet Leg (music); I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (podcast), Articles of Interest (podcast, specifically the Prep season); You Must Remember This (podcast, erotic 80s); Spectacle (podcast, true crime); The Missing Pages (podcast, literary scandals); The Pixies (music)
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Host Gift Exchange!
Danielle’s gift from Gwen: a LizzyKate tea sampler: St. Nick’s Tea, Cranberry Hibiscus, Masala Chai, and Moroccan Mint and a tea-tasting notebook!
Gwen’s gift from Danielle: You Already Have the Answers: A Gratitude Journal by Amanda Deibert and a Felt Flower Making Kit
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last ep, Danielle said she needed to clean her desk. She actually cleaned her desk and her entire house, but now her desk is a mess again. This week, she needs to do ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits! She has also been enjoying Doritos 3D Crunch snacks.
Gwen wanted to get into a better nighttime face washing routine so she could use her new, fancy La Mer product, and she has started! This time, Gwen wants to start prepping for her big 2023 project: making all of the recipes in America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cookbook! Gwen is also having all the egg nog lattes (and neither host likes egg nog on its own).
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Vibe Check
It’s cold in Chicagoland and Seattle, but Danielle and Gwen are staying cozy.
Danielle hosted a couple of great bookstore events this week, while Gwen co-hosted Readers & ‘ritas in Texas.
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Gift Guide 2022
For Your Fancy Friend
Danielle: Voluspa Mokara Candle
Gwen: A spa gift card. My local recommendation is Yaun Spa
For the Sports Fiend
Gwen: Gritty plush
Danielle: Lewis Hamilton Funko Pop
For a Book Lover
Danielle: Check your local independent bookstores for SIGNED copies! They make excellent gifts for book lovers. Anderson’s Bookshop has a vast collection!
Gwen: A fresh journal to document 2023’s TBRs and reads. Read Between the Lines has some adorable options, but also look for local spots to support your community
For the Crafter
Gwen: A cross body style apron from Hedley and Bennett
Danielle: Michael’s Felt Applique Kit
For a Woo-Woo Witch
Danielle: The Modern Witch Tarot Journal
Gwen: Cantrip Candles
For the Kiddos
Gwen: A big cozy blanket shaped like an animal
Danielle: Anything and everything Squishmallows
Also, a Costco-sized box of BandAids
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Long-term Goal Check-In:
Danielle has started working on her writing routine and has some outlines to get her started on new drafts in the coming month or so.
Gwen definitely did Fall activities but did not keep up with intermittent fasting during her busy travel season.
Last Episode Goal Updates:
Danielle didn’t really do anything extra for her anniversary, but had a lovely weekend with her husband celebrating 9 years! This week, Danielle needs to clean her desk. Danielle’s IMAK RSI Smart Glove 2-Pack (recommended by fellow author Hanna Earnest) is helping her wrists while drafting.
Gwen has prepped for THanksgiving and just needs the big day to get here for a Friendsgiving celebration. Her new goal is to wash her face at night and use her new splurge on La Mer! Gwen has been wearing Bombas merino wool long socks to stay warm.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Vibe Check
Gwen is prepping for more travel, but is excited to go back to Texas for Readers & ‘Ritas. She also scheduled a haircut while she’s there!
Danielle is fighting off a cold that will not decide what it’s going to be... She and her family had an awesome Halloween in their neighborhood!
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BORN IN FIRE by Nora Roberts
The first of the Irish Born Trilogy. We LOVED this book. This was also Gwen’s first Nora Roberts read!!
Danielle mentioned episodes of Fated Mates and Learning the Tropes, fellow romance podcasts, and Bonnets at Dawn, a podcast about women writers from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Danielle’s Nora Roberts Recs: Gallaghers of Ardmore series (another series set in Ireland), Bridal Quartet, Chesapeake Bay Series
Gwen’s Born in Fire read-alikes: Danielle Jackson (LOL), Stella Cameron, Susan Elizabeth Phillips
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle painted Halloween cards and sent them to her friends! This week, she would like to do something nice for her husband for their 9th wedding anniversary. Re-reading the Irish Born series has brought her comfort, as well as watercolor painting regularly.
Gwen made a schedule and stuck to it! This week, her goal is to start prepping for Thanksgiving. She has been drinking a lot of LizzyKate Tea and that makes her happy!
BONUS: the podcast needs to start planning 2023!!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Vibe Check
After all of her recent traveling, Gwen got sick last week! But she is recovered and was able to finalize the program for Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘ritas event on November 12th!
Danielle had two book events with Anderson’s Bookshop: Courageous Discomfort by Shanterra McBride and Rosalind Wiseman and The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban. She also got her COVID booster and flu shot!
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HOCUS POCUS 2!
Beware: SPOILERS! We talk about the ENTIRE movie, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve been warned.
We loved how much fun everyone was having and that the subplot wasn’t a romance. We also LOVED the bit in Walgreens, but also wondered about the musical numbers. Nonetheless, we recommended for family-friendly spooky viewing!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle successfully hosted her BFF’s baby shower! She made these awesome Spice Cake Mix Cookies that everyone loved! This week, she would like to send Halloween cards to her friends.
Gwen did NOT move, and that has been put on hold for now. Her new goal is to plan out the next three weeks and stick to the schedule... including adding some breathing room/planned breaks.
Danielle has been reading graphic novels to catch up on her Goodreads goal. Some recent reads: The Bad Guys series (enthusiastically recommended by her 8-yr-old daughter), The Sandman comics, and the Lumberjanes.
Gwen recently enjoyed some Penzey’s Hot Chocolate Mix with Penzey’s Black and Red Spice and the show BAD SISTERS on AppleTV+.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
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.
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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!
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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)
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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!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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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.
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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
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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)
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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.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction