Heartracers

We talked 2025 book buying trends that Claire learned at ABA (American Booksellers Association). And we welcomed USA Today Bestselling author Xio Axelrod, who writes contemporary fiction and romance. Her award-winning novels have earned both critical acclaim and a passionate readership. Her Lillys series, including The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes and Girls with Bad Reputations, explores themes of...

In this episode, we welcomed New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory to talk about donuts, farmers markets, and origins of contemporary romance. Jasmine is the author of six romance novels including The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and While We Were Dating. Her work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, and Time. Her newest novel, Flirting Lessons, is out toda...

Claire and Sierra talk about what makes a good story, and whether a good story meets the hype. We talked about proven elements of a great story. We also discuss the bookstore's space challenges as it relates to selling, and what happens at book industry events. We discussed these books: Water Moon (again) by Samantha Sotto Yambao Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Harlem Rhapsody b...

We talked to Holly James, aka Holly Michele, about how authors feel about our covers, genre mashups, and using pen names. Books discussed in this episode: Nothing But the Truth by Holly James The Deja Glitch by Holly James Name Your Price by Holly James The Big Fix by Holly James Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michele Also: All I Want Is You by Fallon Ballard Swiped by LM Chilton You Can Trust Me by...

We spoke to freelance editor Erin McClary, who is Sierra's former editor at Sourcebooks, about traditional publishing's acquisition process, what editing really means, and some secrets every writer should know about editing, whether self-publishing or seeking traditional publication. Find Erin at erinmcclary.com Books discussed in this episode: A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey The Second Ch...

We talked to NYT bestselling author Mike Chen about his books, publishing, hockey romance, and cool band memorabilia. Plus, do authors get a say in their covers and titles in traditional publishing? Books discussed in this episode: Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen We Could be Heroes by Mike Chen Light Years From Home by Mike Chen Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen Q...

Jessica Joyce is the author of the USA Today bestselling novels You, With a View and The Ex-Vows. She lives in the Bay Area with her family. On this episode we discuss people pleasing, fan fiction, and finding your voice. Books discussed: The Ex -Vows by Jessica Joyce You, With A View by Jessica Joyce Where You Are Planted by Melanie Sweeney The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch Beg, Borrow, or Ste...

We talked to USA Today bestselling author Tarah DeWitt and her career and what's next! Tarah writes character-driven romances filled with laughter and big feelings. She loves stories centered around perfectly imperfect characters, especially those with just enough trauma to keep them funny, without ever being forcefully cavalier. Books discussed: Funny Feelings The Co-Op Savor It Left of Forever

Author Lindsay Hameroff joins us to talk about her evolution of writing sweet to spicy romance. Lindsay is the author of Till There was You and Never Planned on You ! Books discussed in this episode: Till There was You by Lindsay Hameroff Never Planned on You You With a View by Jessica Joyce You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks The September House by Carissa Orlando...

We talk about bookclubs in indie bookstores-- both starting one or joining one-- and are joined by Wild Sisters Books' romance bookclub manager, Gracie to talk about the interesting insights gained from the bookclub. Books discussed in this episode: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Forget Me Not by Julie Soto Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake Th...

We talk all things magical realism and Tarot with author Liz Parker! Liz Parker is the author of HONEYSUCKLE HOUSE and IN THE SHADOW GARDEN and co-author of THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS. An herbalist and a witch, Liz loves gardening, a good cup of tea and the kind of story that sinks it hooks into you and refuses to let go. Find Liz at https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/ Books discussed in this episode: I...

We talk with author Lily Chu about fandoms and writing. Lily Chu loves ordering the second-cheapest wine, wearing perfume all the time, and staying up far too late with a good book. Four of her books have been released in audio as Audible Originals, performed by Phillipa Soo (The Stand-In, The Comeback, The Takedown, and Drop Dead) and John Cho (Drop Dead). Lily’s best-selling stories are critical...

Cozy mystery author Ellie Alexander joins us to talk about writing mystery, setting them in small towns, what's next for her, and how books give you strength and opportunity. Ellie Alexander is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. Ellie believes that stories have the power to transport and transform us. With over thirty novels published and counting, her goal is to...

Julie Soto is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her books include: Not Another Love Song (romance) Forget Me Not (romance) Thrashers (YA) Rose in Chains (Fantasy) Find her at https://www.juliesotowrites.com/ https://www.instagram.com/juliesotowrites https://www.tiktok.com/@juliesotowrites

Our inaugural episode! Claire and Sierra talk about who they are (a bookstore owner and an author), what they love to read, and how to read books when you have a busy day job and a family. A LOT of laughing and banter. Books mentioned: A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey The Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

A short introduction to our podcast, Heartracers, a podcast about reading, writing, publishing, and selling books-- from a published author and a bookstore owner!