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!
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→
Amanda and I are traveling back to May 1995 – yes, thirty years ago. I know, me too. We’ve got weird reviews, outstanding side character names, a debut of a much-loved historical romance author, and a few side trips into pet names and fanfic ships in traditional publishing. We’re talking about the past and the present at the same time, which is one of my favorite things to do when discussing romance fiction!
One of Chelsea Devantez’s listeners connected her to my show after my interview with Joanna Shupe. Meanwhile I’d been working up the nerve to ask her onto my show, and then the universe intervened through this lovely person. Thank you! I recapped Danielle Steel’s dog memoir on her show, and now, she’s in the guest chair on mine. We talk about her memoir, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This (But I’m Going to Anyway), which … Continue reading 670. It’s Trash-ception with Chelsea Devantez of Glamourous Trash→
At the suggestion of some listeners, I split the Ads & Features into two parts, in part because it was very long, and also because there are 5 Fridays in May. Woot! You can find Part I here (or in your favorite podcast app). Part II of the Ads & Features from February 2015 features HelenKay Dimon just dropping all sorts of information left and right. We talk about: How many romantic suspense covers look … Continue reading 669. RT Rewind – February 2015 Ads & Features Part II→
Inspired by a recent episode of The Sam Sanders Show, Amanda and I are sharing our own hot takes and possibly controversial opinions about romance. We’re talking: Third act bleak moments! Transcending the genre! Rom coms! Cozy things! Conferences and gatherings! Accessories for Readers! TW/CW: We take a brief side trip into parental estrangement and emotional abuse. … Check out the SKIMS Ultimate Bra Collection and more at https://www.skims.com/sarah #skimspartner
We are back in the time machine with HelenKay Dimon and Darby Kane, who are thankfully one person so we have extra room in the cabin for snacks. And we are headed back to February 2015 to take a look at the ads and features in RT magazine. We talk about writing, RWA history (HelenKay is past president, immediately before the fuckery) and what specifically was lost when RWA’s position in the community was destroyed. … Continue reading 667. RT Rewind – February 2015 Ads & Features Part I→
We were supposed to record an episode, but we started talking about romantic suspense instead. We talk about what inspired me to start the RT Rewind series, and start talking about the cover…and then we talked about changes in the mystery and romance genres, writing styles and techniques, the amalgamation of mysteries, coziness, and the vestiges of chick lit – and a whole bunch of other things before we get started on the magazine. So…an … Continue reading 666. HelenKay Dimon and Darby Kane are Really Interesting→
