About this podcast
Welcome to the Fiction Lounge, a podcast started by two writing besties with a passion to demystify the writing process together. Join us every Tuesday as we talk all things fiction writing, publishing, and all the possible topics in between.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 102 episodes
- Creating Unforgettable Characters and Exploring Horror with Deena Helm · 55 min · Season 7 Episode 7Hannah and Jess celebrate their 100th episode (!) by interviewing their first horror author! Debut novelist Deena Helm talks about writing her Palestinian haunted house horror…
- The Fiction Lounge Celebrates Two Years! · 51 min · Season 7 Episode 6Hannah 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…
- How Art Becomes Historical Fiction with Anna Rasche · 51 min · Season 7 Episode 5Jess 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…
- Key Elements of Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Dystopian Fiction · 40 min · Season 7 Episode 4Hannah 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…
- Demystifying the Publishing Industry with Literary Agent Sheyla Knigge · 1 h 1 min · Season 7 Episode 3Literary 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…
- Anthropological Thrillers with Michelle Cullen · 53 min · Season 7 Episode 2Hannah and Jess speak with author Michelle Cullen about her newest release, explore the difference between detective mysteries and anthropological mysteries, and how sometimes…
- Reading Like A Writer · 1 h 4 min · Season 7 Episode 1Jess 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…
- Favorite Books of 2026: Q2 · 1 h 2 min · Season 6 Episode 16Jess 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…
- The Importance of Romance as a Genre with Joss Richard · 53 min · Season 6 Episode 15Hannah 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…
- Everything You Need to Write Great Scenes · 46 min · Season 6 Episode 14Hannah 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…
- Literary Fiction and Writing a Series with Susan Furber · 1 h 4 min · Season 6 Episode 13In 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…
- Embracing the Joy of Lore with Kathleen Schwab · 57 min · Season 6 Episode 12Hannah 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…
- Key Elements of Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, and Horror · 54 min · Season 6 Episode 11Jess 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…
- Exploring Identity with Alka Joshi · 1 h 7 min · Season 6 Episode 10Hannah 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…
- Key Elements of Genre: Women's Fiction vs. Romance · 41 min · Season 6 Episode 9Hannah 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…
- Moving Your Story Forward: Plot Devices · 60 min · Season 6 Episode 8Hannah 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…
- Exploring Dark Historical Fantasy with A.L. Sinclair · 1 h 11 min · Season 6 Episode 7Hannah, 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…
- Key Elements of Genre: Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, and Commercial Fiction · 40 min · Season 6 Episode 6Jess 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…
- Writing With Limitations · 48 min · Season 6 Episode 5Hannah 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…
- Myth, Lore, and First Love with John Glynn · 56 min · Season 6 Episode 4Jess 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…
