Our Next Chapter

In this episode, we shine our Author Spotlight on Karen Dukess and explore the themes in her work. We also chat through a New York Times article about the emotional retreat of modern men, and use it to make some decisions about our main character, Alex. Plus, Matt shares a surreal moment meeting movie icon Tommy Wiseau, and getting some writing advice. Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us...

This week, we’re recording from the aisles of Half Price Books! Join us for a special bookstore episode featuring Kennedy Ryan in our Author Spotlight, a deep dive into her incredible career and personal story, and three games you can only play surrounded by used romance paperbacks. From guessing spicy plots to making up entire storylines from a single sentence, this one’s a chaotic love letter to...

It’s Father’s Day on the pod! We’re talking ramen, Austin Powers, and bringing the kids in as surprise guests to share what they really think of Dad—and our podcast. Then we’re diving into the world of bestselling romance author Lucy Score, talking about what makes her books so bingeable. Plus, Matt pitches a new addition to our novel: should Alex have a sous chef… or a dog named Gravy? Matt &...

In this episode, we’re back from Nashville with stories to tell...yes, including a fender bender. Andrea recaps a recent book event, and we shine the spotlight on bestselling author Carley Fortune. From lakeside nostalgia to film deals with royalty, her journey is one for the books. Then we dive into our own work-in-progress and pitch each other some new plot ideas. Could this be our breakthrough...

This week, we’re sharing some fun listener feedback (yes, the hair story lives on), diving into Norah Goes Off Script , and unpacking Matt’s epiphany about Indy and Zoe. Plus, we shine our author spotlight on this week’s pick: the brilliant and wildly popular Taylor Jenkins Reid. Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.  We'd love to hear from you. Visit us at www. OurNe...

In this episode, we share a special full-circle moment from Jackson’s latest performance, chat about the final week of school, and read some of your listener feedback. Then we shine the spotlight on fantasy romance author Nisha J. Tuli and talk about what we’re learning from her storytelling style. Matt reads his spicy (and slightly unhinged) writing exercise, and we introduce a brand-new segment:...

We celebrate pothole victories, clear up a Colleen Oakley myth, and dive into the world of Julie Soto and her unforgettable debut,  Forget Me Not . Then, we share new epiphanies for our book - featuring a wildly famous children’s star sister, a protective (and hangry) protagonist, and a chef with a magical gift for flavor. Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.  We'd l...

We’re talking potholes, proud parent moments, and our latest author of the week: Colleen Oakley. We dive into Jane and Dan at the End of the World , what makes her storytelling stand out, and how it’s inspiring our own book. We'll also talk Alex, our BBQ-loving leading man, and ask you to help us explore why his sister might leave him in charge of her kids for a year.  Matt & Andrea here....

We’re celebrating our anniversary with stories from a book crawl, a concert, and a look back at how we first met in high school theater class. We’ll reflect on how experiencing real love inspires the novel we're writing, and then our youngest, Oliver, joins us to host a revealing “Who’s More Likely To?” game.  It’s a special episode full of fun memories, and a little bit of family chaos. We’r...

In this episode, Matt and Andrea get personal with a pothole request and a “Sexy Jobs Quiz.” We spotlight bestselling author Paige Toon, sharing her inspiring journey, fun facts, and most-loved books, before diving into the development of our book’s leading man. Maybe he gets a name and a complicated family life? From fake sponsors to future storylines, this one’s packed with live, laugh, love, an...

Matt and Andrea kick things off with potholes and a surprisingly sweet gift. Then it’s an author spotlight on Jasmine Guillory, lawyer-turned-romance-queen, followed by a game of “Guess That Book Title” featuring delightfully offbeat plot summaries. Matt also shares some honest reflections on what it means to write women well, from a male perspective. Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us...

This week, we’re trading corsages for book signings! We kick things off reminiscing about prom, both our son's big night and our own throwback memories, before diving into our recent author event with the hilarious romance duo, Max Monroe . We share behind-the-scenes moments, fun facts, and a spotlight on their fan-favorite books. Then we wrap with some fresh book ideas, a few tangents, and.....

This week, we’re diving into all things Abby Jimenez,  from her cupcake empire beginnings to her bestselling romance novels and upcoming release Say You’ll Remember Me . We’re breaking down her writing journey, fun facts, book recaps, and even a few behind-the-scenes moments you might not know. Plus, we’re talking about the power of character names: why they matter, how to choose the right one, an...

This week, we’re breaking down the 10 essential story beats that make romance novels so addictive, from the meet cute to the big misunderstanding to that grand gesture we all swoon over. Plus, in our Author Spotlight, we’re diving into the works of Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer . What makes her books so compelling? And how can we apply these beats to ou...

This week, we're putting Matt's bookish instincts to the test with a Real vs. Fake Romance Plot Game. Can he tell which wild synopses are real bestselling books and which ones Andrea made up? Plus, we dive into Emily Henry’s addictive storytelling, explore the Forced Proximity trope in our own book, and debate just how much of our novel we should reveal on the podcast. Play along and let...

In this episode, we kick things off with a fun word association game to jumpstart our creativity muscles, then dive into expanding our own story’s plot... who is our main character really? And what kind of influencer world does she live in? Finally, we spotlight Brynne Weaver’s Butcher & Blackbird , a dark romantic comedy with serial killers, love, and sharp banter. Get ready for laughs, booki...

Lights, romance, and a little bit of chaos, just how we like it! This week, we’re celebrating our eldest son's incredible directorial debut and diving into the exciting details of Romance Con 2025: who’s going, what’s happening, and why you need to be there. Then, we’re getting creative with a Character Trait Game that may or may not lead to the most ridiculous (or genius?) rom-com character...

This episode is a big step in figuring out what this novel is about.   Today we ask "What is the  TRUTH that can sustain our book like the backbone of a scurveyd pirate?" - Don't worry we're gonna figure it out. We also discuss the traits and virtues of building a modern romance couple.  Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.  We'd love to hear from...

We're talking time-tested plot premises. We chew through a list of ten, talking examples and gear up for our homework – plot pitches! *Edit: Instagram handle is @OurNextChapterPodcast - Matt was wrong and boy-o-boy did Andrea let him know.  Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.  We'd love to hear from you. Visit us at www. OurNextChapterPodcast.com

Our lovely heroes find themselves once more at the precipice of greatness, staring at the crossroads of lethargy and overstimulation - what will they do?  Hint: Matt and Andrea introduce themselves and chat about the name of the podcast. Matt & Andrea here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.  We'd love to hear from you. Visit us at www. OurNextChapterPodcast.com