Welcome to Smart Podcast, Trashy Books! Each Friday, I talk with authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, publishing professionals, editors, and librarians, or combinations thereof, and share the fun and mayhem with you. Frequent topics include romance fiction, the brilliant and interesting people who read, write, and produce it, and issues common among romance readers, along with a hefty side order of silliness. Plus, we always recommend some books we’re reading and really enjoying.
And speaking of recommendations, are you new to the podcast? Welcome!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, fear not: here are some of our most popular episodes – so far!
Julia Quinn joins me to talk about The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton, a new release collecting quotes about the different characters, plus new commentary from Lady Whistledown. We talk about picking up Lady W’s pen after 20 years, looking back on the original series, her most embarrassing moment from high school, and the joyful romance fans in Brazil. At about 42:00 in, we talk about her recent loss of her father and sister. Thank … Continue reading 487. The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton with Julia Quinn→
This is a weird one, y’all. We’re taking a trip back to the early 80s where fiction for teens and pre-teens came with some awful, upsetting messaging, but also some fantastic clothing choices, some excellent descriptions of weird children’s birthday parties, a cute boy and a very good dog. It’s Princess Amy by Melinda Pollowitz! I figured I’d probably have to issue some warnings at some point, re-reading vintage YA, so here we are. TW/CW: assault, jerkward rich … Continue reading 486. Sweet Dreams Recap: Princess Amy by Melinda Pollowitz→
Hey, y’all! A special treat bonus episode for your American holiday week needs. Yup, there will be a regularly-scheduled episode on Friday, but here’s an extra treat! I was a guest on Talking Simulator discussing…romance in video games. Isn’t it weird when a topic puts itself in front of you so many times? Here’s the description and transcript from host Jordan Webber. Enjoy! … Sarah Wendell is the co-founder of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, a website … Continue reading 485. BONUS! Romance in Games at Talking Simulator→
AC Arthur’s new book The After Party is out, and she joins me to talk about all things friendship, cocktails, murder, revenge, and more. Because it was inspired by the movie 9 to 5, we deep dive into revenge on bad bosses and movie nostalgia, too. … Music: purple-planet.com
It’s time for another Vintage YA Recap, this week with Laurie’s Song by Suzanne Rand. Prepare yourself for some exhausting friendships, boring boyfriends, social stress, and some absolutely outstanding outfits and POETRY. Oh, yes. Poetry. This is a good one. … Music: purple-planet.com
This is part two of our crossover episode with The Big Gay Fiction Podcast! Amanda and I connected with Jeff and Will and answered listener questions from our Patreon communities. The Big Gay Fiction Podcast released part one Thursday 4 November so you get all four of us being ridiculous together for two episodes back to back. We’re talking about the first m/m romances we ever read, and we have book recs, food discussions, and … Continue reading 482. Big Gay Podcast AMA Part II!→
It’s time for part two of the Sweet Dreams Romance Recap Project, featuring The Popularity Plan by Rosemary Vernon. Unlike P.S. I Love You, I hadn’t read this one before, so it’s an adventure for all of us. We’ve got some hefty social anxiety, friends with Plans (and wall calendars as seen on the cover) and some very classic dating tropes. Grab your tea and your comfy hoodie and come hang out with me! … Music: … Continue reading 481. Sweet Dreams Recap: The Popularity Plan by Rosemary Vernon→
Leslie Hachtel and Nikki Brock put together Love In The Mix: A Cookbook for Romance Readers to benefit ProLiteracy, and she joins me to talk about it. Leslie tells me all about the cookbook, how it came to be, and some of her favorite recipes. We discuss family favorites and family history through food, and then, as a bonus, I’ve added info about two favorite recipes for you to try. Over 70 romance authors contributed … Continue reading 480. Love In the Mix: A Cookbook for Romance Readers, with Leslie Hachtel→
It’s time! It’s time! This is the first of the Sweet Dreams Romance Recap Project, wherein I am recapping the first twenty Sweet Dreams YA romances, starting with Sweet Dreams #1, P.S. I Love You by Barbara Conklin. This book is a lot. It’s angsty and tragic, but there are some moments I remember so very clearly, and I probably read this more than 30 years ago. This was definitely one of my gateway books. What … Continue reading 479. Sweet Dreams Recap: PS I Love You by Barbara Conklin→
Amanda and I take a deep dive into interactive fiction with Rebecca Slitt from Choice of Games and Heart’s Choice. We get into the details of how interactive fiction works, and what the process of writing it is like – and we have some recommendations, never fear! … Music: purple-planet.com
My guest this week is author Ryka Aoki, whose new book Light from Uncommon Stars is out this week! We cover transgender identity, found family, space opera & The Brady Bunch, the liminal state of The Olive Garden, Chonky books, and what, and where, is the best donut? That last part is key! And! I really want to hear your donut recs: sbjpodcast@gmail.com! … Music: purple-planet.com
