Page To Picture

In this episode of Page to Picture, Kim sits down with YA fantasy author Ava Lauren Grayson to talk about her debut novel, The Stargazers, and the creative process behind building an entire universe from the ground up. 🚀✨Ava takes Kim behind the scenes of her journey as a writer, from creating stories at a young age to becoming a published author. Together, they explore the inspiration behind The Stargazers, a YA space-fantasy adventure that blends teenage astronauts, magic, mysterious creatures, romance, and an entirely new world.Kim and Ava dive into the development of characters Julia, Kai, Natalie, and Milo, the challenges of writing a multi-POV story, and what it takes to create a fictional planet like Luella. Ava also shares how she maps out her worlds, develops creatures, uses tattoos and symbolism throughout the story, and embraces flawed characters who have room to grow.The conversation also looks ahead to Ava's plans for continuing The Stargazers series, potential spin-offs, and the other genres and projects she hopes to explore.If you love YA fantasy, science fiction, immersive world-building, complex characters, and getting the behind-the-scenes scoop on how a book comes together, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Connect with Ava Grayson:IG: https://www.instagram.com/avalaurengrayson/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ava-Lauren-Grayson/authorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/avalaurengrayson

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions of trauma, survival, death, and healing. In this episode, Kim sits down with author Eileen Porzuczek to talk about her poetic memoir, Memento Mori, and the deeply personal journey behind it.Eileen shares her powerful story of surviving a ceiling collapse and how that life-changing experience shaped her writing, her perspective, and her relationship with poetry. We talk about the meaning behind Memento Mori — “remember you must die” — and how confronting mortality can change the way we look at life.We also dive into the transformative power of poetry, processing trauma through storytelling, the vulnerability that comes with writing personal experiences, and the emerging world of eco-horror poetry. Eileen gives us insight into her creative process and why intentionality and connection between the writer and reader matter so much.This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and a beautiful reminder that sometimes the hardest stories to tell can become the ones that help us heal and connect with others.Follow Elieen here:⁠https://www.eileenporzuczek.com/⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eileen-Porzuczek/author/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eileenporzuczek/⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18290498.Eileen_Porzuczek⁠

In this episode of Page to Picture, we’re talking ALL things Practical Magic 2! 🔮✨After hosting our very first movie event at Galaxy Theatres, we’re recapping the experience, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, and getting into all the magical, emotional, and chaotic fun surrounding the sequel.We break down their favorite scenes, character dynamics, casting choices, the emotional moments that had the theater reaching for tissues, and the themes of sisterhood, family, sacrifice, and forbidden romance that made this story hit so hard.We also chat about fan culture and fanfiction, book revisions, upcoming projects, creative collaborations, and how passionate readers and fans can inspire the stories we love.Was Practical Magic 2 everything we hoped it would be? Did the Owens women deliver? And, most importantly… what did we rate it?! And of course, we’re giving a HUGE thank-you to the amazing local businesses who helped make our first movie event extra magical! 🥹💜✨Special thanks to:🎬 Galaxy Theatres Boulevard Mall🎁 XOXO Book Boutique🛁 Hone Vintage & Bath📸 LVPhotobombs☕ Founders Coffee☕ Viva CafeWe are so grateful to every business that donated, supported, or helped us create a fun experience for our Page to Picture community. Your support means the world to us! 💕Grab your witchy bestie and join us for a magical conversation filled with movie talk, sisterhood, fandom, and a whole lot of love for the world of Practical Magic. 🔮✨

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions of mental health, trauma, human trafficking, family conflict, bullying, and other sensitive topics.In this episode of Page to Picture Podcast, Kim sits down with author JJ Winston for a powerful conversation about how storytelling can open the door to conversations we don’t always feel comfortable having.JJ shares her journey from social worker and attorney to author and explains why she uses fiction to explore difficult topics including mental health stigma, trauma, human trafficking, sickle cell disease, family conflict, and relationships. We talk about how flawed, relatable characters can help readers develop empathy, why honesty and communication matter in relationships, and how fiction can be a non-threatening way to educate and raise awareness.We also dive into the challenges of parenting in a digital world, the impact of social media and bullying on mental health, protecting children from online dangers, and the importance of balancing heavy subject matter with hope.And because this is Page to Picture, we couldn't leave without talking about storytelling itself; including JJ's chess metaphor for life, success, and character development, as well as the importance of representation and thoughtful editing.You can find JJ Winston here:https://www.novelistjjwinston.com/https://www.instagram.com/novelistjjwinston/https://www.facebook.com/novelistjjwinston/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B089NYQQQLhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/list/16635440.J_J_WinstonSEPTEMBER is SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH! If you would like to learn more about it or donate please visit: https://sicklecelldisease.org/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/

🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Wild & Windy and Love on Demand.We’re talking to C.R. Jane! In this bonus episode of Page to Picture, we dive into the world of dark romance, mafia men, possessive heroes, morally black characters, spice, angst, and the tropes that keep us coming back for more.C.R. Jane gives us insight into her books, upcoming releases, special editions, pre-order incentives, and the behind-the-scenes world of writing and marketing romance. We also get a little unhinged discussing fictional red flags, sports romance vs. mafia men, dream Vegas dates with book characters, and which characters we’d absolutely let ruin our lives. 😂Plus, we’re getting excited for the Dark Horse Release Party on October 15th 2026, upcoming author events, and the chance to meet even more of our favorite authors at LoveNVegas Oct 16th - 17th 2026. Come for C.R. Jane, stay for the questionable book-boyfriend choices. 🖤🔥