The Fiction Lounge

Hannah and Jess celebrate their 100th episode (!) by interviewing their first horror author! Debut novelist Deena Helm talks about writing her Palestinian haunted house horror novel Our Cut of Salt, explains the depth of her stylistic choices, talks about the journey from draft to publication, and discusses what it's like to write such heavy and personal material. Deena Helm is a mixed Palestinian...

Hannah and Jess celebrate TWO YEARS of the Fiction Lounge with some big news from Hannah, some fascinating stats, and a trip down memory lane. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off! Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on...

Jess and Hannah interview author Anna Rasche about the journey from gemologist to published author, the value of historical accuracy and how to creatively make it work in fiction, and how the process of writing often changes once you're a published author. Anna Rasche is an author, gemologist, and historian who has previously worked in the jewelry collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her...

Hannah and Jess discuss the differences and similarities between sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian fiction. They talk about the genre expectations for each, and dive into what it looks like to genre blend. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off! Don'...

Literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary talks to Hannah and Jess about pressing industry questions, things to consider when working with an agent, and why the publishing industry and authors are at odds when it comes to prologues. This episode is full of practical, real-time wisdom from an industry professional, and it's one you will want to listen to twice, even take notes! After severa...

Hannah and Jess speak with author Michelle Cullen about her newest release, explore the difference between detective mysteries and anthropological mysteries, and how sometimes, reader data can be used to impact authorial decisions. Michelle L. Cullen has lived and traveled all over the world: from working as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris to backpacking aroun...

Jess and Hannah discuss what it means to read like a writer, why it's important for ALL writers to find time to read this way, how to do it, and things you should pay attention to when reading closely. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off! Don't...

Jess and Hannah discuss their favorite reads of the past three months, with a variety of titles to look into! Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off! Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram , TikTok, and Threads !...

Hannah and Jess interview author Joss Richard on pub day of her most recent novel, Let's Kiss and Tell! They discuss the differences in process between each book, the societal value of a genre like romance, and how understanding screenwriting can help your writing process. Joss Richard is an instant, international bestselling romance author based in Los Angeles. With over 12 years of experience, s...

Hannah and Jess discuss the core elements of a scene, how they need to work within the scene, and give you tips on how to improve your scenes if you find yourself struggling. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. If you've heard us talk about Scrivener on the pod and you're ready to commit, use this link to get 20% off! Don't forget to follow us on soc...

In their interview with author Susan Furber, Jess and Hannah discuss writing a literary fiction series, how your characters stay with you, and they dive into Susan's upcoming release, What Other Years Have Done . Susan Furber is the author of The Essence of an Hour, We Were Very Merry and the upcoming What Other Years Have Done (2026), all published by Valley Press. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1...

Hannah and Jess interview debut author Kathleen Schwab about her historical fantasy, Queenswood , and how her journey to this book was mostly about pursuing her joy. They discuss the Celtic folklore of the story and how she wove it in with her worldbuilding. Fantasy writers will enjoy this episode! Kathleen Schwab grew up in Levittown, Pennsylvania, a quintessential postwar suburb, among hundreds...

Jess and Hannah discuss both the similarities and differences between the mystery, crime, thriller, and horror genres. They cover genre expectations, but also share what these genres all have in common. This episode helps clear up how to position your book within these specific areas of fiction. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to fol...

Hannah and Jess interview New York Times Bestselling author Alka Joshi about her new book Six Days in Bombay while discussing other topics such as identity and how great character work is born. Born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became...

Hannah and Jess explain the similarities and differences between women's fiction and romance, provide practical ways to understand how to place your own novel, and three questions to ask yourself if you're looking for clarity. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram , TikTok, and T...

Hannah and Jess discuss why plot devices are one of the most important ways to move your story forward, what types of plot devices there are, and how you might already be using them without even realizing it. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram , TikTok, and Threads ! And you c...

Hannah, Jess, and their guest A.L. Sinclair discuss her unique journey from pursuing self-publishing to being discovered by her now agent and going traditional publishing. They also discuss the work to write a dark historical fiction novel, finding the "why" behind your work, and how to build a solid, steady readership. A. L. Sinclair is a debut adult dark fantasy author who enjoys weaving history...

Jess and Hannah introduce a new series on the key elements of writing in certain genres. In the first episode, they discuss the definitions and hallmarks of literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and commercial fiction. They explore case studies and even share ways that these genres can be markers within other genres as well (i.e., literary thrillers, upmarket romances, etc.). Do you have feedback or...

Hannah and Jess discuss their adaptations living life with chronic illness, discuss how mental health episodes can feel equally as limiting, and share their tips and mentalities for handling the difficult days. Do you have feedback or episode requests for us? Fill out this form to let us know. Don't forget to follow us on social media: @thefictionlounge on Instagram , TikTok, and Threads ! And you...

Jess and Hannah talk about bringing mythology to life with editor and author John Glynn. They explore the idea of queer erasure within myth and lore, discuss the depth of writing about first love and how it changes you, and briefly geek out over Madeline Miller. John Glynn is the Editorial Director of Hanover Square Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. His acclaimed nonfiction debut, Out East: Memo...

Hannah and Jess talk with author Britt Middleton about her debut novel American Love Song , the importance of mental health representation in romance, and she provides practical advice and encouragement for new writers. Britt Middleton is a romance and literary novelist passionate about tender love stories centering African-American women rediscovering their ambition. Formerly a digital beauty pro...

Hannah and Jess interview Denise Madre of Prose Without Thorns about her work in the field of sensitivity reading, and she provides practical ways to be more conscious when writing marginalized people. This episode is part two of a two part series. A bibliophile with an English degree and a mild addiction to "Pride and Prejudice" variations, Denise Madre founded Prose without Thorns to help writer...

Hannah and Jess interview Denise Madre of Prose Without Thorns about her work in the field of sensitivity reading, and she provides practical ways to be more conscious when writing marginalized people. This episode is part one of a two part series. A bibliophile with an English degree and a mild addiction to "Pride and Prejudice" variations, Denise Madre founded Prose without Thorns to help writer...

Hannah and Jess discuss their top reads of the year so far! SHOW NOTES HANNAH'S PICKS: Red Rising by Pierce Brown Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Hannah's Honorable Mention: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid JESS'S PICKS: The Trees by Percival Everett Dominion by Addie E. Citchens Jazz by Toni Morrison Immaculate Conception by Ling...

Hannah and Jess reveal an exciting announcement: The Fiction Lounge is now offering some author services! Jess shares the vision and process behind her editing consultation service, and Hannah shares the heart and process of her Plot Clarity Intensive. SHOW NOTES Jess's Editing Services Hannah's Plot Clarity Intensive