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!
Valerie Bowman returns to talk about her new book, The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn, out September 9. Valerie has written over 30 historical novels but when asked by her agent if she’d be interested in pivoting to contemporary, Valerie jumped on the opportunity. Please join us as we puzzle through the reasons why historical romance isn’t as popular, and what led to the pivot that so many authors are making. Plus Valerie shares the differences and … Continue reading 682. Pivoting Between Historical and Contemporary Romance with Valerie Bowman→
It’s July 2016, and we’re back in the time machine to check out the ads & features from this issue of Romantic Times Magazine! We spot an SBTB friend in the letters to the editor, and we talk about romances translated into English, the appeal of the wounded hero, and we spot an ad that’s very clearly some Tay-fic, as I’m calling it. We also discuss an article about Kickstarter in romance – and this … Continue reading 681. RT Rewind: July 2016 Ads & Features→
Molly Horan is a YA author, playwright, and professor who is writing a dissertation on aromantic and asexual characters in YA literature. Molly also teaches classes about YA literature, so we have a LOT to talk about. Examining relationships between people within the context of aro/ace characters requires a re-examination of how we portray human bonds in media, and how they work in real life. There are many book recs, so don’t forget to check … Continue reading 680. Aromantic and Asexual YA Romance with Molly Horan→
We’re back! Amanda picked this month’s issue and so we are journeying back to July 2016! We tackle vague reviews that tell us no things. I try to coin a new portmanteau! We come up with the most unhinged romance bingo squares ever – tell us if we should use them! We have some plot summaries that are a RIDE, folks. Hop into our newly refurbished time machine – we needed a bigger drinks fridge … Continue reading 679. RT Rewind: July 2016 Reviews→
Recently, I posted a collection of cozy, mostly British mysteries that all mimic the Richard Osman Thursday Murder Club covers in just about every way. Then, Kayleigh Donaldson said she had many thoughts about them. One of the worst things you can do is be one of my favorite people to listen to and then tell me you have thoughts about something I posted on SBTB. I WANT TO HEAR THE THOUGHTS. Good thing I … Continue reading 678. The Osmanification of Fiction Covers with Kayleigh Donaldson→
Jo Piazza’s new book, Everyone is Lying to You, is a trad wife influencer murder mystery out this month. I loved this book. Jo has been covering trad wives and influencers for a long, long time – she has a podcast called “Under the Influence,” and has been writing about celebrity culture for most of her career. We are talking about trad wives, celebrity influencers, and how celebrity has changed with social media. We also … Continue reading 677. Everyone is Lying to You with Jo Piazza→
When I record with Nalini Singh, since she’s in New Zealand and I’m on the east coast of the US, it’s weird hours for both of us – so thank you to Nalini for speaking to me bright and early in the morning. We talk about Atonement Sky, about writing and worldbuilding, and saying goodbye to characters. I also mix up my animal pluralities but I fix it, don’t worry. NOT thanks to Wilbur, my … Continue reading 676. Exploring Atonement Sky with Nalini Singh→
Danielle Allen is the author of 55 books, including the new release Plus Size Player, part of the Curve series alongside Curvy Girl Summer, and Big Girl Blitz. And the player, as you’ll find out, is the heroine. The trilogy focuses on three best friends, and so we talk about friendship, loyalty, and about centering fat Black women as romance heroines. Danielle has also written contemporaries inspired by Poe stories, so of course we talk … Continue reading 675. Celebrating Confident Fat Black Women with Danielle Allen→
You may know Gaby Leon as HappyGabyCooking on TikTok and Instagram. She’s also the author of a new cookbook! The Enchanted Feast is a gorgeous book filled with recipes inspired by Gaby’s favorite Rrrrrromantasy titles. There are cocktails, snacks, entrees, and terrific cookies and desserts. This episode, and this cookbook, might make you hungry. If you’re thinking you might need to check out this cookbook, yes, yes you do. And if you’ve got a potluck … Continue reading 674. Enchanted Romantasy Feasts with Gaby Leon, HappyGabyCooks→
This is a delightfully unhinged issue. We’ve got a plethora of old-skool covers, weird language about China and Taiwan, Poconos hot tubs, and Elizabeth Lowell is thrown under the bus – twice? Are you one of the most privileged readers in the world? I crave satisfaction in this matter! A few housekeeping notes: In July, I won’t be doing any RT Rewind episodes. This is partly because I have a BUNCH of interviews I am … Continue reading 673. RT Rewind: May 1995 Ads & Features→
Every now and again, I get to do a crossover episode with the Heaving Bosoms podcast. We pick a truly bonkers sexy book, and recap it across two shows. In this case – it’s three shows. Hi Heaving Bosoms listeners! I’m so happy you’re here! This time, Melody asked if I had any suggestions for a title. YES I DID. A Soul to Keep: Duskwalker Brides: Book One by Opal Reyne was taking up a … Continue reading 672. Part III of A Soul to Keep with Heaving Bosoms→
