The Book Besties Club 📚

This week I'm joined by fantasy author Tamsin Sheridan, author of the Silvertree Legacy trilogy. We chat about the highs and lows of writing fantasy, building a world inspired by d&d, crafting a fiercely morally grey female main character alongside the ultimate cinnamon roll male main character, and why found family continues to be one of fantasy's most beloved tropes. Whether you'...

In this episode, I’m joined by Tanya, author of upcoming fantasy novel Hidden Light, for a conversation that gets very real, very fast. We talk about the fearless (and slightly unhinged) art of killing off main characters, why she refuses to soften the emotional impact for readers, and how she leans fully into making audiences upset for the sake of the story. Tanya also teases the final 41 words o...

This week, I'm joined by romantic suspense author Lauren Grace for an honest conversation about the realities of being an author today. We discuss Lauren's journey to securing a publishing deal, the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, and the surprising comment that "women don't like to think when they read." Lauren also shares how personal experiences and traum...

In this episode, I chat with sci-fi author Phil Oddy about his long and winding writing journey. From over 20 years of failed attempts, to finally publishing his interconnected four-book sci-fi series. We talk indie publishing, finding unexpected support at comic cons and alternative events, and how reader feedback shaped his work. A conversation about persistence, support and finally turning year...

In todays episode, im joined by fellow booktoker Gill, where we talk about the books we quit, the books everyone else loved that we didn't, and why honest reviews matter. From DNFing Alchemised to defending audiobooks and unpacking BookTok culture, this episode is all about reading without guilt and sharing authentic opinions.

This weeks episode is a little bit different, but super exciting! I'm joined by the wonderful Bekah, the founder of book subscription service Second Bloom Books. Second Bloom Books is a sustainable and affordable book subscription service, where you pay only £15.99 a month to receive 3 Books and an extra special goodie, designed by Bekah herself! In this episode, we discuss all of the amazing...

Why are queer readers still being treated like side characters in fantasy? In this episode, author A.P. Joynson joins us to talk about writing queer-led romantasy, the importance of authentic LGBTQ+ representation in fiction, and what finally seeing yourself as the protagonist can mean for readers. We also discuss: • accidentally turning one fantasy book into an entire romantasy trilogy • writing...

In this episode, romance author Wren Willoughby discusses writing realistic romance with flawed characters and complicated relationships. We talk about the inclusion of domestic violence in fiction, creating believable love interests, and balancing fantasy with realism in romance books. We also cover interconnected standalone series, chronological storytelling, BookTok and social media success, pl...

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark (@marksbookcorner) for a proper bookish deep dive into what it means to fall back in love with reading as an adult. We talk about the rise of romantasy and why Throne of Glass still has him in a chokehold, debate whether enemies-to-lovers is getting a bit overrated, and unpack the way BookTok has changed how we discover and talk about books. We also get into som...

In this episode of The Book Besties Club, im joined by indie author Soldera Krauze to talk all about her debut novel 'Uncoachable'. We talk about strong fmc's, characters that take on a life of their own and unusual hockey facts Soldera also gives us a behind the scenes look at how she wrote, edited and got her book ready to publish in 3 months at only 19 years old and how she already has the next...

From survival to storytelling… John Lane didn’t start writing for fame or money. After recovering from cancer and kidney failure, he started writing because he needed to. His books are rooted in Irish mythology, but what stood out most to me was how he prices them as low as possible so more people can actually read them. We also got into some honest conversations about BookTok, 5⭐ reviews, and wh...

In this episode, I’m joined by Lola for a conversation that’s chaotic, honest, and full of bold bookish opinions. We talk unpopular takes (including why she’s not a Rhysand girl 👀), the reality behind the Heavenly Bodies hype, and the moment a certain book pushed things a little too far. Alongside the hot takes, we dive into Lola’s writing journey, balancing motherhood with being an aspiring auth...

In this episode of Book Besties Club, I’m joined by indie author KC Blackwell to talk about her book Escape and the story behind it. We chat about writing a book that truly represents you, turning real-life experiences into fiction, and what it’s like bringing a story to life, including working with A-list voice actors on the audiobook. KC also opens up about the personal inspiration behind Escape...

I went to Fiction Fest UK not really knowing what to expect… and left with so much more than just books. In this solo episode, I’m sharing my full experience. From feeling nervous walking in, to meeting incredible authors, picking up five signed books (oops), and finding myself sitting at the Besties Bar making friendship bracelets with complete strangers. I also talk about a moment that genuinely...

In this episode, I’m joined by author Joseph Ball to talk about Growing Pains, a powerful fictionalised memoir inspired by his childhood in a neglected household. What started as something deeply personal, written to help his daughter understand his upbringing, has grown into a story that’s now resonating with readers far beyond his own family. We talk about turning pain into purpose, the reality...

If you’ve been seeing Fiction Fest UK everywhere and wondering what it’s actually all about… this episode is for you 👀 I sat down with the creators of Fiction Fest UK (Liv, Jess and Ellen) to talk about how it started, what goes on behind the scenes, and what readers can really expect from the event. We also get into what makes book festivals so special, the community around them, and why this on...

You know when everyone is obsessed with a book… and you’re just not feeling it? 😅 This episode is a really honest chat about going against the grain. From questioning the hype around Dear Debbie and Never Lie by Freida McFadden, to not being a romance reader at all. We also talk about: •Starting reading in October and falling into it fast •Finding hidden gems outside the algorithm • Unexpectedly...

Welcome back to Book Besties Club 🎙📚 This week I’m joined by author Ella Ray, and honestly… this episode is for the readers who just want to escape reality for a bit. We chat all about: • Writing fantasy as a form of escapism • Creating a main character who’s a little… unhinged • Writing an entire first draft in a WEEK thanks to hyperfixation • The reality of being an indie author (and why it can...

In this episode, we’re getting brutally honest about reading opinions that might get us cancelled 👀 From the book that completely changed everything (Onyx Storm… I’m looking at you) to the tropes and characters that just aren’t doing it for us. We chat about: -Reading 92 books in a year (and the 120-book goal 👀) -Why cowboy romance just isn’t hitting -The Freida McFadden twists we love… and the...

In this episode of The Book Besties Club Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant minds behind WeInk, the app shaking up the reading and writing world. We start by diving into their personal reading habits, writing journeys, and the stories that shaped them as creatives. Then, we get into the heart of it: WeInk. How it works, what makes it different, and why it’s changing the way readers and writers c...

Welcome to episode 4 of The Book Besties Club Podcast! 🎙 In todays episode, I am joined by the lovely Jemma, an avid reader and fellow booktoker who loves a good historical fiction... countered by her love of trashy romances 🩷 We discuss popular booktok books, underrated genres, Robert Pattinson ruining Twilight and more! Tune in to hear all about it and make sure you are following along for epis...

🎙️ Author Interview: Vicky Nolan on Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress In this episode of the Book Besties Club Podcast, I’m joined by author Vicky Nolan to talk about her memoir Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress . At just 15 years old, Vicky signed a record deal and stepped into the music industry with dreams of becoming a pop star. But behind the opportunity came unexpected challenges, includin...

Welcome to episode 3 of The Book Besties Club Podcast 🎙📚 In todays episode I am joined by the lovely Beth, an avid reader and fellow booktoker, who has a few controversial hot takes... We discuss DNF and NRN'ing books (iykyk), controversial ACOTAR/TOG opinions and what books made Beth sob! Tune in to hear all about it and make sure you are following along for episode weekly on a mon/thurs!

Welcome to episode 2 of the Book Besties Club Poscast 🎙📚 In todays episode, im joined by the lovely Candace J Boswell, an avid reader and debut author of the novel "Its always been us", releasing 17th March. She tells us all about the books that inspired her, the writing process, real life inspiration behind the book and how she managed to land a 3 BOOK DEAL with Varus Publishing 🥳 Tune in to he...

What happens when two readers sit down and say what everyone’s thinking about BookTok… but won’t say out loud? 👀 In this episode, I’m joined by Liv for a completely unfiltered chat about: • The books BookTok got right (and VERY wrong…) • Our latest 5⭐ reads •Thriller favourites we can’t stop thinking about • And yes… some controversial ACOTAR opinions 👀🔥 If you love reading, honest opinions, a...