The Shelf Reflection Podcast

Magic and mischief ensue in this conversation with Kim Bussing, author of the Princess Swap series, as she breaks down her process for writing fresh, fun fairy tale retellings.  Kim Bussing’s Books -  The Frog Princess and Peter Pan (or, Wendy Darling and the Secret Prince) (2026) Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) (2025) Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid...

Jon Michael Darga discusses his journey to becoming a senior literary agent at Aevitas Creative, how literary agents help authors get their books published, and the most common mistakes writers make when trying to get literary representation.  

There’s no shortage of magic and mystery in this interview with Savannah Stephens as she discusses her debut fantasy novel Witch Queen Rising. Savannah Stephens’ Book -  Witch Queen Rising (2026)

New York Times bestselling Middle Grade and Young Adult author, Morgan Matson, reflects on her 15-year career and provides advice for anyone who aspires to write kidlit.   Morgan Matson’s Books -   Gradchanted (2025)  The Ballad of Darcy & Russell (2024)  Promchanted (2024)  Firefly Summer (2023) Take Me Home Tonight (2021)  Save the Date (2018)  The Unexpected Everything (2016)  Since You’ve...

Chef, editor, memoirist, food and romance writer, and cookbook author Rochelle Bilow shares her recipes for success in this dynamic conversation.   Rochelle Bilow’s Books -   Effie Olsen’s Summer Special  (2024)  Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year  (2023)  Call of the Farm  (2014)   

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the publishing industry in this conversation with Severn River Publishing book publisher Cate Streissguth. 

Check out this conversation with Gabriella Gamez, author of Next Best Fling and Kiss Me, Maybe, where she talks about writing happily ever afters.  Gabriella Gamez’s Books -  Kiss Me, Maybe  (2025)  The Next Best Fling  (2024) 

Explore artificial intelligence, the apocalypse, and the twisty world of publishing in this discussion with Debbie Urbanski, author of After World.   Debbie Urbanski’s Books -   Portalmania  (2025)  After World  (2023) 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at all the teen angst, twisty mysteries, and deep-sea terrors in my interview with New York Times bestselling author Ryan La Sala as we discuss his new YA horror, Dead of Summer.  Ryan La Sala’s Books -   Reverie  (2019)  Be Dazzled  (2021)  The Honeys  (2022)  Beholder  (2023)  The Dead of Summer  (2025) 

Get swept away to someplace cozy and fun in this conversation with author/illustrator Lauren Stohler as we unpack her now-completed graphic novel trilogy, Gnome and Rat.    Lauren Stohler’s Books -   Gnome and Rat: First Snow (2024)  Gnome and Rat: Time to Party (2024)  Gnome and Rat (2023)  I am a Great Friend! (2023)  The Problem with Pajamas (2022)  The Worst Poet Ever (2020) 

Retired medical examiner, Mary Jumbelic, brings to life the stories of the women she’s autopsied in her new novel Speak Her Name.    Mary Jumbelic’s Books -   Speak Her Name (2025)  Here, Where Death Delights (2023) 

How much do you know about the often-overlooked role Chinese Canadians played in fighting the Axis Powers during WWII? This important history is brought vividly and thoughtfully to life in Jack Wang's new historical novel, The Riveter.  Jack Wang’s Books -   The Riveter (2025)  We Two Alone (2020) 

Princesses saving the day? Handsome heroes turning into horses? A romance blossoming amid political turmoil?   Gallop into a world of magic, mystery, and romance in my conversation with fantasy author M. Stevenson as we dig into her debut novel, Behooved.  M. Stevenson’s Book -   Behooved (2025) 

Take a trip to the lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast with contemporary YA author Steven Salvatore as we discuss his newest book, When Love Gives You Lemons. Steven Salvatore’s Books - When Love Gives You Lemons (2025) Boyfriend Subscription (2024) No Perfect Places (2023) And They Lived (2022) Can’t Take That Away (2021)