Lit Ladies

Our end of the season finale episode delivers a full summer treat! We are joined by the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels, Courtney Walsh. She is a Carol-award winner, Christy award finalist and seeker of happy endings. This week we discuss mid-life heroines, authenticity on social media, and the ever-dominant AI discussion....

Join the LitLadies in our chat with special guest Stephanie Mack. We discuss her upcoming book, Twenty Something Else , and all of the topics within! We discuss aging, marriage, and what we would change if we could re-live our twenties. We go deep in this episode (purity culture and contentment!) and hear Steph's heart for marriage, families, and supporting women. In addition, we'll hear a...

Join us this week as we chat with award-winning author Amanda Wen. We talk about the influence of music in her stories, how she weaves historical and contemporary threads together, and how her own personal family history makes an appearance in her stories. We talk about the midwest, similarities between music and writing, and more. This interview hits all the notes! Find Amanda Here Linked Books:...

An author who loves pink but her stories run red ! This week we are joined by New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jessica R. Patch, who is known for her dry wit and signature twists. ⁠ Jessica R. Patch website ⁠ The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch Find the Lit...

Heidi talks to us about her writing journey, what drives her to write and why. She shares how she uses technological tools to be more efficient, and what it’s like working with her mentor. We hear all about Alaska and its role in her books. We get to take a deep dive into balancing motherhood with other tasks–how to prioritize, what to say “no” to, and more. Heidi McCahan Website The Other Side of...

In this episode, we put our very own co-host Karissa Riffel in the hot seat! We explore how to write fantasy and some of the subgenres within. We talk world building, magic systems, and how long fantasy novels tend to be. If you've ever wondered about the different facets of fantasy books, wanted to try your hand at writing one, or even wanted to know the difference between YA and Adult fantasy, y...

Join us as we discuss Magic and Miracles with special guest, Marian A. Jacobs. We take a deep look at fantasy, literature, and even parental guidance for media selection. We talk about Satanic Panic, what may draw someone to the occult (is it literature?!), and even Harry Potter. Marian shares some of the guiding questions she uses to determine whether  fantasy magic resembles demonic or divine su...

Sports romance books are all the rage in the book world. This week we chat about sports romance books--what's popular, what does the "clean" market offer, and where we think this trend will continue. We analyze why women are drawn to these stories and which tropes we love. We even take a stab at the next trends we think will occur. Here are some favorites: Romancing the Grump by Jenn...

This week we are joined by Rom Com author Becca Kinzer. We talk about what drew her to writing rom coms and when and how she adds humor to her stories. We get the behind-the-scenes on her journey to finding an agent and publisher. You will not want to miss some of her stories and inspiration behind them, and how she juggles life as a wife, mom, nurse, and writer. Perfect in time for Valentine'...

In this episode, we interview author Kaitlin Facista and take a deep dive into all things Tolkien! She is the founder of Tea with Tolkien, a vibrant and positive online community celebrating the life, writings, and Catholic faith of J.R.R. Tolkien. She lives with her family in Indiana. Kaitlyn writes and speaks on topics of Tolkien’s faith, the themes and virtues of Middle-earth, and what it means...

This week we take a deep dive into some of our favorite writing craft resources. We discuss our top craft books, podcasts, and advice we've picked up along the way. We talk about what draws us to particular books, what's on our shelf, and what we've skimmed (but not read). If you're a writer or aspiring writer, or even just curious how writers think, you won't want to miss this...

This week we feature a crossover episode with our friends on The Historical Bookworm ! We take a deep dive into historical fiction and what draws us to it. We also discuss how to enter into some of the harder parts of historical fiction, and some of our favorite time periods, including various wars and their impact on history. The Historical Bookworm Podcast  is a bi-weekly interview show for fans...

This week we're dropping a bonus Christmas episode, where we launch our new book-buying options on Bookshop! www.bookshop.org/shop/litladiespod We'll share our favorite Christmas reads, favorite reads of the year, and our own Christmas traditions. Books we love and LINKS! My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh Holly & Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant The Spirit of Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti...

We talk with award-winning author and AI expert Kate Angelo on all things AI and writing. You won't want to miss this conversation! Will AI take the place of human writers? What are AI Agents? Does AI control us, or do we control AI? What are our ethical perimeters with AI? Can authors use AI to HELP their careers? If so, how? What's the place of AI in writing--and we talk about some topic...

In this week's episode, we discuss literature and feasts with Managing Editor of the Anselm Society, Sarah Howell. We talk about what balance look like, how we enjoy the communion feast, and what feasts represent in literature. Of course, we discuss our own favorite feasts and books, too! You won't want to miss this special Thanksgiving episode and all the depth behind our celebrations. Bo...

Do you love literature? Have a disconnected relationship with the classics? We've heard it all, but in this episode we break down preconceived notions, and discuss why literature and the sister arts point us to beauty. You won't want the miss the beauty in this episode. We talk about how to close the gap between what's "out there" and what's "in here." Our ances...

The mythical figure of a witch has been around for millennia. Fairy tales have often embodied that old woman in the cottage in the woods. Today we’re going to delve into the history of witches in literature and culture from a Biblical perspective. We talk conviction, boundaries, and more! Haunted Cosmos Podcast FIeldmoot Substack Books we Discuss: Nightbooks by J.A. White Circe by Madeline Miller...

This week we dive into the spooky side of books with Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright. We talk about what draws her to the macabre, how she fits into Christian fiction, and her thoughts on colors and her books. She even gives her best advice for readers! Find Jamie HERE ! Her newest book, The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall, releases October 21. You won't want to...

We are back to School, back to Podcasting, back to Writing! This week we discuss our summer highlights, favorite books, back to school routines, and books we're looking forward to. We discuss the various types of readers. Which one are you? With this school-time of the year, we take a deep dive into school settings in books. Do they appeal to readers? What themes do we find repeated in school...

This week we talk about Beach Reads! What makes a Beach Read? What books would we take to a beach–mystery, horror, rom com? We talk butterfly-inducing and whether a beach or water setting is required.  We give the books we’re planning to read over summer, as well as some of our favorite beach reads!  Also, since it’s the last episode of our first season, we talk favorite moments, hardest part of a...

On today’s episode, we talk with author Kristine Delano about her debut novel. She writes domestic suspense and psychological thrillers, with a novel coming out in January 2026: The Lies We Trade. Kristine worked on Wall Street for several years and knows the ins and outs of high finance. She utilizes her real-life knowledge to craft thrilling stories. We talk about interiority, emotional equity,...

Do you read sad books? Join our discussion as we talk through sad books, books that made us think, books that made us cry, and whether we *should* read sad books. We talk: upmarket fiction, literary fiction, genre fiction, what makes a "romance" book, and more! We want to know your thoughts: does a romance book need a "HEA" to be considered romance? Join along and let us know what you think! Me Be...

Join us on this magical journey through time! We discuss everything from Victorian Literature to Gothic Lit and even Britney Spears! Tess's novel, Vale , is an epic fantastical adventure with a heavy dose of historical fiction. We chat the motivation behind Tess's writing, the location (ALL the British feelings!), the difference between life now and life in the past, and of course a TON ab...

This week we take a deep dive into a fantastical fantasy world! Author Rachelle Nelson discusses: *The truth behind her stories *Lessons for teens *Good guy vs. bad guy in fiction *Fantasy world building *Soft magic vs. hard magic *The difference between being wanted and being loved.  You won't want to miss the story behind her journey to publication, inspiration, favorite mythical creatures,...

This week we tackle the topic of perseverance with historical fiction writer KyLee Woodley . Her debut novel recently released, and we discuss history, inspiration, writing, rejection, research, waiting, and SO MUCH MORE! One of our favorite writing resources came up; be sure to check out The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. This is full of gems for readers and writers alike...