📖 Background: Professional chef to farm life to writing

📖 Early reading & Inspo

📖 Writing: Biggest challenge and favorite parts

📖 Publishing misconceptions

📖 Book Elevator pitch, Origin Story, tetherbeasts and more!

📖 Are feelings weakness or strength?

📖 Marriage & relationships: complications in multi-cultural relationships & hard work

📖 Lessons from main characters

Author: T L Combs

Book: The Forsaken Crown

#bookish #bookgirly #romantasy

Links:

Website: https://www.authortlcombs.com/

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/author_tl.combs?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4uYTM62

In this spoiler free episode we will get to know author K R Paul, talk about self publishing, and discuss common romance themes that K R Paul writes differently and also discuss a topic that's been on my mind lately of the relationship between service members and vets and the creative arts. Stay tuned for a great episode!

1. Background, Military, Cosplay
2. Early reading
3. Writing journey
4. Publishing misconceptions and advice
5. Book pitch
6. Main characters: What do you want people to learn from your relationship between your FMC and MMC?
7. Romance: What issues in romance books did you want to fix in your book?
8. Military and Vets and the use of the arts

Links:

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4t6HPK9

Website: https://authorkrpaul.com/about/

For listens in today’s episode we will get to know the author and spoiler free details about her book, Sing the Night which released on March 10th 2026 and then we will talk about what it means to be relentless and how to handle the challenge of learning things you’ve always believed to no longer be true. This is going to be an amazing interview so stick around.

1. Author bio and background
2. Publishing path
3. Book details
4. What does it mean to be relentless
5. What do you do when you’ve learned something and it changes how you see life
6. Author goals and details

I hope you enjoyed the episode. Below are links to the author and the book.

Megan links: https://www.meganjaureguieccles.com/links

Sing the Night good reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239399529

Sing the night Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bJGov4

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

We learn about the wild adventure in rock and roll to becoming romance authors and the inside scoop of what its like being married to a creative person. They share their advice on how to support your creative partner.

Website: https://piperdavenport.com/en-usd

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JackDavenportAuthor

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/AuthorPiperDavenport

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@piperdavenportauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackdavenportauthor

Please follow Piper HERE:

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/piperdavenport

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/piperdavenportauthor/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@piperdavenportauthor

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-davenport

Piper's Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/b66Eob

Please follow Jack HERE:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJackDavenport/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/authorjackdavenport/

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jack-davenport

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@jackdavenportauthor

In this episode host Lydia Legacy sits down to talk to Katrina Kwan to not only talk about her newest book The Legend of the Nine Tailed Fox, but also to talk about why storytelling is important and why everyone’s story is important

Website: https://katrinakwan.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katrinazkwan/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22384657.Katrina_Kwan

Other Book recs:

Red City by Marie Lu

Michelle Wong House of the Beast

Elizabeth Lim

Other books by Katrina

Knives, Seasoning, and A Dash of Love

The Last Dragon of the East

Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox

Love Among Thieves (May 12th)

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

Drop a 🔥 if you've ever hesitated to try it — but secretly wanted to.

Growing up, I was all about mystery and fantasy—Harry Potter, Judy B. Jones, Hunger Games. But it wasn’t until I discovered Haunting Adeline in 2025 that I realized dark romance could be a powerful way to explore trauma, healing, and intense emotional journeys.

What drew me in? The character arcs — watching flawed, dark characters grow and find love despite their darkest sides. It’s also about the hope that even the most broken can heal. And honestly, it’s a safer space to face our own shadows through fiction.

Dark romance isn’t romanticizing trauma—it’s empathizing, understanding, and sometimes finding healing in the chaos. It’s thrilling but also deeply emotional. So, have you ever wondered why we’re so hooked on these stories?

Comment your thoughts below or tag someone who needs to hear this—sometimes, a dark story can bring the light.

Full series info & more stories—link in bio

#DarkRomance #HealingThroughFiction #IndieAuthorLife #RomanceReader

Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4tKM3bd

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tattedbamagirl72?_r=1&_t=ZT-948rGnwJjKP

IG: https://www.instagram.com/andavisauthor?igsh=b3ZlMXdncWd1bzZo

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

This week, Lydia and Bec sit down with J.N. Kindig, author of The Nightmare Novellas, for a deep dive into indie publishing, gothic horror, worldbuilding, and what it truly takes to bring a dark story to life.

🔞 Listener Note: This is an adult podcast with adult themes and language. 📚 Spoiler-Free Episode: You can absolutely listen even if The Nightmare Novellas is still on your TBR!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up as a reader and the authors who shaped her voice • From dragon stories on construction paper to gothic fiction and horror • Battling self-doubt and finding the “I can actually do this” moment • Writing under pressure and drafting a novel in just a few months • Crafting blurbs that actually sell your book • Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing — and the realities behind both • Social media strategy for indie authors (what actually works?) • What readers can do to truly support authors • The logistics of self-publishing and what she’d do differently next time

We also explore the world of The Nightmare Novellas:

• A spoiler-free introduction to nightmare hunters and the state of the world • The deeper themes woven through the story • Religious influences and the role of the gods • Character naming, map-making, and worldbuilding inspirations • The origin story behind the book

Plus… 👀 You’ll hear the first line of the next book: “Cassander Esclarmonde should’ve killed his brother when he had the chance.”

If you love gothic horror, layered worldbuilding, strong thematic depth, and honest conversations about indie publishing, this episode is for you.

✨ Connect with J.N. Kindig:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjnkindig?igsh=bDR3Znl5cXJ3ajZ1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjnkindig?_r=1&_t=ZT-93p5SQtgOLu

Website: https://www.authorjnkindig.com/books

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4rb0J1T

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us continue spotlighting incredible authors in fantasy, romantasy, and beyond.

See you in the Rift 🖤

✨ Listener Notes: • This is an adult podcast with adult language and topics • This episode is completely spoiler free, so you can listen even if Godsbane is still on your TBR

In this episode, Lindsey shares her journey as a reader and writer, the creative process behind Godsbane, and what it’s like navigating indie publishing in the fantasy space. We talk writing doubt, revision, worldbuilding, mythology, romance, and the realities of bringing an epic fantasy story to life.

✦ What we cover in this episode:

📚 Early Reading & Creative Roots • Growing up with books or discovering them later • Author idols and formative reads • Teachers and mentors who influenced her writing • The inspiration behind her author bio and impeccable music taste

✍️ Writing & Craft • When writing became more than a hobby • Handling doubt and imposter syndrome • The moment she knew she could really do this

🕰️ The Writing Timeline • Whether Godsbane was her first book • Drafting and revision process with tips for writers • Early challenges in the writing journey

📖 Publishing as an Indie Author • Choosing self publishing vs traditional publishing • Common misconceptions about publishing • Editing, production, and thoughts on KDP • Social media as an author • The audiobook process for indie authors • What readers should know about supporting authors

📘 Book Talk (Spoiler Free!) • Elevator pitch for Godsbane • Comparable reads • Emotional experience for readers • Origin story of the book • Real life themes woven into fantasy

🌍 Worldbuilding & Mythology • Creating gods and belief systems • Naming characters and hidden meanings • Balancing real life themes with epic fantasy

💘 Romance • Writing a supportive male love interest • Why that representation matters • The ultimate debate: Cal, shadow daddy or cinnamon roll? 👀🔥

✨ Closing Thoughts • Other books Lindsey has written and what’s coming next • Long term vision for her writing career • Why she writes

📚 Get the book: 🛒 Godsbane by Lindsey Richardson: https://amzn.to/3ZWGZCY

🔗 Connect with Lindsey Richardson:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lindseywrites_?igsh=MWZqcDRyYmV0OW04aw== 📘 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_lindseywrites_?_r=1&_t=ZP-93k5F6Ccd1q 🌐 Website: https://www.lindseyrichardsonauthor.com/

Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

✨ Listener Notes: • This is an adult podcast with adult language and themes • This episode is completely spoiler-free, so you can listen even if Golden Resistance is still on your TBR

In this episode, A.O. Garnette shares her journey back to reading and writing, the creative and emotional process behind Golden Resistance, and what it’s really like to publish as an indie author. We talk craft, worldbuilding, mental health, and the resilience it takes to keep creating—both on and off the page.

📚 Early Reading & Creative Roots • Growing up with books—or finding them later in life • Author idols and formative reads • Teachers, librarians, and mentors who made an impact • The book that reignited her love of reading after postpartum depression

✍️ Writing & Finding Her Voice • When writing became more than a hobby • Doubt, imposter syndrome, and self-belief • The “I can actually do this” moment

🕰️ The Writing Timeline • Whether Golden Resistance was her first book • Revision process, timelines, and lessons learned • Early challenges in the writing journey

📖 Publishing as an Indie Author • Choosing self-publishing vs traditional publishing • Misconceptions about the publishing process • Editing, production, and thoughts on KDP • Social media as an author • Tools and platforms that made a difference • Audiobook plans for Golden Resistance • What readers should know about supporting authors

📘 Book Talk (Spoiler-Free!) • Elevator pitch for Golden Resistance • Comparable reads • Emotional experience for readers • The origin story of the book • Real-life themes woven into the characters • How many times the first line changed 👀

🧠 Mental Health & Storytelling • Writing characters who battle both external enemies and internal struggles • Parallels between fictional resistance and real-life resilience • Emotionally difficult scenes to write • How writing can help process mental health

🌍 Worldbuilding & Research • Science research behind the story • Building the city and its structure • Character names and hidden meanings • Making a map—and whether it was harder than naming kids

✨ Closing Thoughts • How readers can connect with and support A.O. Garnette • Other books and future projects • Long-term vision for her writing career • Why she writes

🔗 Connect with A.O. Garnette:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aogarnette?igsh=MWZlNHkyNjJsOXphbg==

📘 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ao.garnette?_r=1&_t=ZT-93ZBIE0433d

📚 Golden Resistance by A.O. Garnette: https://amzn.to/4arqUev

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you.

✨ Important notes before you listen: • This is an adult podcast with adult themes • This episode is completely spoiler-free, so you can listen even if What If is still on your TBR

In this episode, Miranda walks us through her journey as a reader, writer, and indie author—from the books that shaped her early love of stories to the realities of publishing in today’s market. We dive deep into writing doubt, creative breakthroughs, the indie publishing process, and of course… hockey romance 🏒💘

✦ What we cover in this episode:

📚 Early Reading & Influences • Growing up with (or without) books • Author idols and formative reads • Teachers, librarians, and mentors who made an impact

✍️ Becoming a Writer • The first stories she remembers writing • When writing became more than a hobby • Doubt, imposter syndrome, and the moment she realized “I can actually do this”

🕰️ The Writing Timeline • Drafting and revision • Biggest challenges early on • Lessons learned the hard way

📖 Publishing as an Indie Author • Self-publishing vs traditional publishing • Editing, formatting, and production • Audiobooks, KDP, and common misconceptions • Mistakes she’s made (so you don’t have to) • What truly helps authors grow their reader base

💬 Book Talk (Spoiler-Free!) • What If elevator pitch • Comparable reads • Emotional experience for readers • Themes inspired by real life and college experiences

🏒 Hockey Romance 101 • What every hockey romance needs • Why the genre is booming right now • What hockey romance does that football romance doesn’t • A fun “Does it fit?” hockey romance game

🤍 Relationships & Character Choices • Female friendships and why they’re so complicated • Miscommunication in fiction (and real life) • Truth vs lies—inside a character’s head

✨ Closing Thoughts • How readers can support Miranda • Past and upcoming projects • Long-term writing goals • Why she writes

🔗 Connect with Miranda Hughes:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_mjhughes?igsh=MW43Y3Zvc2tiaXJtZg== 📘 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miranda_parham98?_r=1&_t=ZT-93LYqWVW0oh 🌐 Good Reads :https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50272629.M_J_Hughes

📚 What If by Miranda Hughes: https://amzn.to/4qFx4O4

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments—are you a hockey romance reader? 🏒📖

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

In this episode, we’re diving deep into Gabriella’s memoir Eat Pray #FML, unpacking the wisdom, heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery woven through her real-life story. This conversation feels like one-on-one girl talk—the kind where you laugh, reflect, and leave with a notebook full of thoughts you didn’t know you needed.

⚠️ Listener Notes: • This is an adult podcast with adult language and topics • This episode includes discussion of real events from the book (listener spoiler warning) • We won’t unpack everything, so it’s still very much worth adding to your TBR

✦ What we talk about in this episode:

🖋️ Author Background & Creative Calling • What Gabriella tells people when they ask, “So what do you do?” • Discovering writing as a creative outlet • Sharing your life publicly vs protecting privacy • Who she writes for—and why • The role social media played in connecting with readers

💬 Quotes That Made Us Pause We read and discuss powerful excerpts from Eat Pray #FML, exploring: • Spending time alone and truly knowing yourself • The strange elasticity of time • The “Thought Onion” and emotional self-inquiry • Radical transparency online—its risks and rewards • Courage, resilience, and choosing to keep going • What self-love actually means (and how to practice it daily) • Female friendships, competition, and choosing connection • Solo travel safety tips for women • Regret, guilt, and reframing “wrong” choices

💔✨ Romance, Red Flags & Growth • Why Gabriella felt called to share her romantic journey • Lessons learned from divorce and past relationships • Why “failed” relationships are essential for growth • A sneak peek at what romance looks like post-book one • And yes… we ask about the potential for a Netflix adaptation 👀

🌿 Themes & Wisdom • The recipe for a self-love cocktail • The power of sharing authentic stories • How to “escape to Europe” emotionally without leaving your daily life • And one final question we had to ask… about the psychic

📚 What’s Next • What books 2 and 3 explore • Upcoming projects and creative teasers • How listeners can support Gabriella and follow her journey

🔗 Connect with Gabriella Stone:

Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/4aakzUG

🌐 Website & Socials: https://bio.site/gabriellestone

If you love honest storytelling, self-discovery, travel, romance, and real conversations that feel like late-night talks with your best friend—this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments which quote hit you the hardest 🤍📖

In this episode, we sit down with Veronica to explore her journey from creative writing student and English teacher to ghostwriter—and ultimately to publishing her own debut novel that quickly became a USA Today bestseller. This conversation is a must-listen for aspiring authors, readers who love layered, emotionally rich stories, and anyone curious about the realities of traditional publishing.

✨ Episode Notes: • Part 1 is spoiler-free for Difficult Girls but Part 2 dives in, we will give a spoiler warning to be clear • Focuses on craft, career, and creative process • Ideal for readers, writers, and publishing-curious creatives

✦ What we cover in this episode:

📚 Early Reading & Literary Roots • Growing up with books (or finding them later) • Authors and stories that shaped her voice • Teachers and mentors who influenced her path • Why she chose an English degree and teaching

✍️ Writing, Ghostwriting & Finding Her Voice • When writing shifted from hobby to calling • What ghostwriting actually is—and how she got into it • Transitioning from ghostwriting to publishing her own work • Handling doubt and external expectations • The moment she knew she was on the right path

🕰️ From Draft One to Finished Book • How long the first draft took and how it came together • Her revision process informed by teaching and ghostwriting • What truly matters between draft one and publication

📖 Publishing & Career Insight • Her traditional publishing journey • How ghostwriting prepared her for debut success • What “USA Today Bestseller” actually means • Advice for aspiring authors navigating traditional publishing • Whether bestseller status should be the goal—or something else • Creative compromises vs creative freedom • What makes a strong debut novel

🎯 Author Goals & Creative Vision • Long-term goals for her writing career • What she hopes her work contributes to readers and the genre • Why she feels compelled to tell these stories

📘 Spoiler-Free Book Talk: Difficult Girls • Elevator pitch for readers • Comparable reads • Emotional experience she hopes readers walk away with • Inspiration behind the story • Research rabbit holes • Real-life themes that found their way into the book

🔗 Connect with Veronica Bane:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicabane?igsh=MW1uc2tyM21rM29ucg== 📘 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicabane?_r=1&_t=ZT-93LaxFO5y3h 🌐 Website: https://www.veronicabane.com/

📚 Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane: https://amzn.to/4jYLOVG

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. We only share books, products, and resources we genuinely love or believe add value to our community. Thank you for supporting the channel—it helps us continue creating content for you 🤍

📚 The Reading Rift – Full Author Deep Dive (Spoiler-Free + Spoilers)

In this two-part interview, we sit down with KC Woodruff, author of Dawn of the Darkest Day, the first book in the Soul Trappers Saga, for an honest, in-depth conversation about writing, publishing, and the dark fantasy story that has stayed with us long after the final page.

PART 1 (Spoiler-Free): Writing, Publishing & Book Foundations

In the first half of the interview, KC walks us through her journey as a reader and writer—from her earliest reading memories to the moment she knew she would be a published author. We dive into:

• The books and authors that shaped her love of reading

• Discovering writing as more than a hobby

• Early drafts, doubt, and the “I can actually do this” moment

• D&D’s influence on storytelling and worldbuilding

• Her writing timeline, revision process, and strengths as a writer

• Choosing indie publishing vs traditional

• Editing, cover design, KDP, and production

• Marketing myths, finances, and growing a reader base

• Conventions, Nexus panels, and meeting readers in person

• Audiobooks, tools, platforms, and long-term career vision

• Why she writes—and what she hopes her work gives readers

We also explore Dawn of the Darkest Day spoiler-free, including:

• Elevator pitch for new readers

• Comparable books

• Emotional experience and intended audience

• Origin story and real-life themes woven into the narrative

• Magic system basics and political setup

• How readers can best support KC and follow her work

Buy the book: https://www.kcwoodruff.com/books

Follow KC: writerwoodruff

Trigger warnings: https://www.kcwoodruff.com/content-advisory

In Episode 10, we sit down with fantasy author Alexandra Kennington to dive into her unforgettable debut novel, Blood Beneath the Snow — a story full of Viking-inspired grit, complex relationships, morally gray characters, and emotional depth that will ruin you in the best possible way.

This episode includes a full discussion of Alexandra’s writing journey, the world of Revna and the Hellbringer, character analysis, themes of family and trauma, and a spoiler-packed breakdown of the book. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t worry—we give a clear spoiler warning before we go all in. Whether you're a fantasy lover, a romantasy addict, or a reader who loves character-driven stories with rich lore and emotional stakes, this interview is for you.

⛰️ Episode Highlights

• Alexandra’s reading + writing history

• How Blood Beneath the Snow came to life

• Finding an agent + getting a publishing deal

• Viking vibes, worldbuilding, and character creation

• Deep dive into Revna, Arne, Feya, Halvar, Frode, and Volkan

• Themes: mental health, parental trauma, boundaries, and identity

• Book 2: Gods Beneath the Ice — what Alexandra can share!

• New series announcement

📚 About the Author – Alexandra Kennington A

lexandra has been writing fantasy since she was young and has a lifelong love for reading, folklore, and Star Wars. Her debut novel, Blood Beneath the Snow, is the first in a Norse-inspired fantasy series full of magic, family complications, and morally gray characters.

Website: alexandrakennington.com

Goodreads: Search “Blood Beneath the Snow” or “Gods Beneath the Ice”

⚠️ Content Notice This is an adult podcast with adult themes, language, and discussions. A spoiler warning will be given before we enter Spoiler Central.

✨ Connect With Us Instagram:

Lydia – @MarriedToAWriter

Bec – @ overwiredmind

Podcast: The Reading Rift New episodes every week!

🧊 Next Week We’re jumping into the Mistborn universe!

Author Socials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexkenningtonwrites?igsh=MTd2MnpyZDB5aXN1bw==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexkenningtonwrites?_r=1&_t=ZP-91S3uj6LoeE

Website: https://www.alexandrakennington.com/about

Everything from here on out contains full spoilers for Book 1 and discusses adult themes. Please check the content advisory before reading or listening.

👉 Content warnings: https://www.kcwoodruff.com/content-advisory

In Part 2, Lydia finally gets to fan-girl as we break the book wide open. We play a Character Confessions Game, deep-dive into worldbuilding, and unpack the hardest moments of the story.

Covered in Part 2:

• Full plot recap and timeline

• Political history, magic, and the Soul Trappers

• Ara, Stedd, Savant, Alys, Thalia, Therimar, and more

• Character motivations, manipulation, redemption, and choice

• Trauma, forgiveness, love as a spectrum, pacifism, honor vs action

• The ethics of survival and power

• That ending—and what it means for Book 2

This episode is for readers who want thoughtful analysis, emotional honesty, and no pulled punches when discussing dark fantasy.

📖 Links & Resources:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204888283

Where to buy Dawn of the Darkest Day: [add links]

KC Woodruff’s website & socials: https://www.kcwoodruff.com

✨ If you enjoyed this interview, like, subscribe, and tell us which character broke you the most.