Rebel Ever After

This week my guest is former journalist and current novelist Chloe Angyal! In her Dancers Down Under trilogy, Chloe writes about ballet dancers as athletes, employees, and hotties. We talked about her decision to self-publish BARRE FIGHT, the final book in the series, and how she wove the extensive research she did for her nonfiction book Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers is Saving Ballet From Itself into genre romance novels. Plus: how she wrote a high-steam romance novel without any penetrative sex scenes in POINTE OF PRIDE, the current conservative project to disenfranchise women, and her real-life meet cute with her husband Zach Wahls, who is now running for Senate in Iowa. Follow Chloe on Instagram as @chloe.angyal.writes and on Substack at https://chloeangyal.substack.com/ Order a signed copy of BARRE FIGHT here: https://chloeangyal.substack.com/p/how-to-get-a-signed-copy-of-barre  Support Zach Wahls for Senate: https://zachwahls.com/    Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible! Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Get tickets for my event with Candice Jalili at Powerhouse Arena (Brooklyn 10/14): https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/powerhousebookstores/book-launch-seeing-stars-by-candice-jalili Get tickets for my event with Cait Jacobs at The Next Chapter (Huntington NY, 10/20): https://www.thenextchapterli.com/product/cait-jacobs-book-talk-signing-monday-october-20th-7pm/20275 Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.

It's time for another Rebel Ever After's premium episode! This month my guest is Katherine Morgan, the owner of Grand Gesture Books, Portland's first romance bookstore. She shared what she has learned during the store’s first year at 814 SW 10th Ave — from managing stock to building community at events. She shared her advice on how authors can build strong relationships with their local booksellers, and how you can still support indie bookstores if you’re on a book buying freeze. Plus we talked about all those beautiful hardcover special editions… and wondered what makes a special edition “special” anyway?  You can listen to the full episode at patreon.com/brosandprose. Subscribe for $3/month to support the show and pay an independent podcaster's rent. Follow Grand Gesture Books on Instagram and Threads at @grandgesturebooks, and @grandgesturebks on TikTok. Learn more about the store and sign up for the newsletter at https://linktr.ee/grandgesturebooks.

This week my guest is Alexandria Bellefleur, the author of many queer romances including Written In The Stars, The Fiancée Farce, and Truly Madly Deeply! We talked about her groundbreaking career and what it was like to publish one of the earliest breakout sapphic rom-coms in the trad space during this era of romance. We also discussed bi4bi romances, navigating the expectations of queer readers, and the way stories about bisexual characters are often put in ill-fitting boxes. Then Alexandria told me about her upcoming paranormal sapphic romance The Devil She Knows, inspired by the underrated 2000 comedy Bedazzled starring Elizabeth Hurley and Brendan Fraser. You can follow Alexandria on Instagram and Threads as @a.m.bellefleur. Purchase all of Alexandria’s books from the Rebel Ever After affiliate bookstore here! Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible! Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. Thank you for your support! Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.   Books and other media mentioned this episode: Cora Carmack Tessa Bailey  Elle Kennedy Mariana Zapata Brighton Walsh Get Over It, April Evans by Ashley Herring Blake Rachel Harrison’s horror novels Buffy the Vampire Slayer The Hunger Games

It is spooky witchy season, and this week's guest is Celestine Martin! She is the author of the Elemental Love series, including Witchful Thinking, Kiss and Spell, and Deja Brew. We talked about finding inspiration in the history and liminal magic of the Jersey Shore, and giving black women the paranormal fairytale romances they deserve. Plus why cozy low-stakes romances are having a moment! As a head’s up, there is some city noise in the background during our conversation. If you hear police sirens, that’s us, not you. You can follow Celestine on Instagram as @celestinemartinauthor and on Patreon here. Purchase all of Celestine's books from the Rebel Ever After affiliate bookstore here! Attend my event with Sarah Beth Durst at Northport books on 9/11 at 7pm! Reserve your free ticket here.  Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible. Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. Thank you for your support! Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.   Books and other media mentioned this episode: Midnight by Beverly Jenkins The work of Nisha Sharma  The work of Sarah Beth Durst ZomRomCom by Olivia Dade The work of Virginia Hamilton The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling Witch Please by Ann Aguirre The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna Charmed (1998 - 2006) Ever After (1998) Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe

My guest this week is Elissa Sussman, author of Funny You Should Ask and Once More With Feeling. She walked me through writing her new book Totally and Completely Fine, about a widow and single mom still grieving her late husband when she meets a famous, younger actor. Then we talked about her new podcast But How’s the Sex about the sex lives of fictional characters, and how romance novels celebrate and respect horny women. Plus: Are small-town romances “cozy” or homogenised? And why are heroines in their 40s so rare? Follow Elissa on Instagram as @elissa_sussman or visit elissasussman.com. Purchase Totally and Completely Fine from the Rebel Ever After affiliate bookstore here! Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible. Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. Thank you for your support! Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.

This week on Rebel Ever After, my guest is the wonderful London Sperry, author of the 2024 rom-com Passion Project. London and I talked about the range of mental health representation in romance and her quest to write a self-destructive, grieving baddie who deserves love. Content warning that this episode touches on depression, anxiety, mourning and some light references to suicidal ideation. I promise we laughed a lot about being weirdos in New York City, golden retriever love interests, and our love for Sebastian St. Vincent. Follow London on Instagram @londonsperrywrites. Purchase PASSION PROJECT from the Rebel Ever After affiliate bookstore here! Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible. Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. Thank you for your support!!   Books mentioned this episode: Passion Project by London Sperry City People by London Sperry (a work in progress!) But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson Devil In Winter by Lisa Kleypas Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen   Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.

This week my guest is Eva Leigh, the author of My Fake Rake, Scandal Takes the Stage, Forever Your Earl, and many more historical romances. Her new romantasy The Sea Witch publishes this August with Canary Street Press. Eva writes fantastically bold heroines who find freedom and power despite the patriarchy. We talked about sustaining a career in the romance genre, why pirates should be your next obsession, and embracing female rage. Plus, Eva’s decision to write a happily-ever-after for a sex worker in Dare to Love a Duke. Follow Eva on Instagram as @evaleighauthor and on BlueSky as @evaleigh.bsky.social‬, or visit her website, evaleighauthor.com Learn more about the pre-order campaign for The Sea Witch on Eva's Instagram here!   Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast. Your financial support makes this independent production possible. Please reach out at rebeleverafterpod.com/contact with advertising and sponsorship inquiries.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen.   Books and authors mentioned this episode include: Judith McNaught Jude Deveraux Johanna Lindsey Eva’s earlier work as Zoe Archer Lady Viper and The Bastard, Eva Leigh Dare to Love a Duke, Eva Leigh The work of Cat Sebastian The work of KJ Charles The Blades of the Rose, Zoe Archer To Catch a Raven, Beverly Jenkins (Btw, Eva looked into the source of "Comparison is the thief of joy" and most folks do attribute it to Theodore Roosevelt. Still a mystery when/where he said it!)   Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. This show is brought to you with the support of my patrons.

This week my guest is Olivia Dade, the author of Spoiler Alert, All The Feels, At First Spite, 40-Love and many others. She has two books coming out this year, ZOMROMCOM in August and Second Chance Romance in November. We had a sprawling conversation about her dive into paranormal romance, writing fat heroines who are older than 27 years old, and the unique challenges of editing sex scenes.  Follow Olivia Dade on Bluesky as @oliviawrites.bsky.social‬, and sign up for her newsletter at go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter. Pre-order ZOMROMCOM, SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate bookstore at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast! Your financial support makes this independent production possible.  Theme music created by Dalton Deschain. Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. Books mentioned this episode include: The Flesh Series, Kylie Scott Reawakening, Charlotte Stein Last Light, Claire Kent Hold, Claire Kent The Spoiler Alert series, Olivia Dade Cover Me, Olivia Dade But How Are You, Really, Ella Dawson (that's me!) The Hating Game, Sally Thorne The work of Emma Barry

My guest for Pride month's premium episode is Nina Haines, the founder of the virtual sapphic book club Sapph-Lit and the brand new publishing imprint of the same name. Nina is an advocate for queer authors and a community builder both online and offline. I asked her about her career as a bookish content creator, her thoughts on sapphic representation, and her decision to partner with Bindery to publish sapphic romance novels. Yes, you will hear the word “sapphic” a million times in this episode! We also gossiped about brands turning their backs on the LGBTQ community, and why book reviewers are so hard on lesbian characters.  Listen to the full episode at patreon.com/brosandprose !  Rebel Ever After be back on July 14th. If you miss me, get on the Rebel ever After Discord and chat with me and fellow listeners! Patreon subscribers have access. Join the Sapph-Lit community on Bindery: https://sapphlit.binderybooks.com/ Follow Nina on Instagram as @nina.haines, and Sapph-Lit as @sapphlit. Books mentioned this episode include: The Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The works of Audre Lorde, Cookie Mueller, and Eileen Myles Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters Saturn Returning by Kim Narby (coming in Spring 2026) Bless The Blood: A Cancer Memoir by Walela Nehanda All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner The Bright Falls series by Ashley Herring Blake Here For The Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang The work of Emily Austin Triple Sec by TJ Alexander Single Player by Tara Tai The Secret Summer Promise by Keah Brown One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

My guest this week is author, actress, and journalist Keah Brown. She has published three books, the 2019 essay collection The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall In Love With Me; the 2022 children’s book Sam’s Super Seats, and her YA romance debut The Secret Summer Promise in 2023. Keah, like the protagonist of The Secret Summer Promise, has cerebral palsy, and we talked about what better disability representation can look like in romance and beyond. We also discussed about why loving yourself is a lifelong process and Keah's decision to come out as bisexual. Plus: Do teens today read Sarah Dessen? Does Hollywood still do chemistry tests? Why aren't there kisses in rom-coms anymore? And when will Drew Barrymore be our friend? Follow Keah @keah_maria on Instagram and Threads, and @keahbrown.bsky.social‬ on BlueSky. You can also find her at keahbrown.com. Purchase THE SECRET SUMMER PROMISE and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after You can listen to Keah and I gab about The Pitt on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose — Patreon subscribers get access to premium episodes of Rebel Ever After, as well as access to our Discord server! Join starting at $3/month and have the satisfaction of supporting an indie podcast production that could really use your help.  Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen. FILMS AND BOOKS MENTIONED INCLUDE: The Parent Trap (1998) Gotta Kick It Up (2002) The Pitt (2025) Just Listen, Sarah Dessen The Truth about Forever, Sarah Dessen This Lullaby, Sarah Dessen 50 First Dates (2004) Ever After (1998) Never Been Kissed (1999) A Walk To Remember (2002) Anyone But You (2023) Twisters (2024) Back In Action (2025) Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) The Holiday (2006) Pride & Prejudice (2005)  

My guest this week is Tara Tai, whose debut novel SINGLE PLAYER came out this January. It’s a queer rom-com about two video game developers who clash over whether or not to include romantic storylines in their blockbuster new game Compass Hollow. Tara and I talked about what it was like for them to write a romance novel about gaming culture, and the similar social stigma of romance and gaming as adult hobbies. What are the key differences between writing a romance novel and a romantic video game storyline, and what games should romance readers play next? Plus, how the immersive experience of video games leads to incredible storytelling at its best… and dangerous fan behavior at its worst.  Follow Tara on Instagram @tarzaparzagagapan, on Bluesky @taratai.com‬, and at their website taratai.com. Purchase SINGLE PLAYER and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast! Your financial support makes this independent production possible.  My second-chance bisexual romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY with its beautiful new digital cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen.   Games mentioned include:  Ghost of Yotei Date Everything Dragon Age: The Vielgard Dungeons and dragons Clair Obscur Split Fiction Zelda: Breath of the Wild Stardew Valley The Sims Rollercoaster Tycoon Baldur’s Gate Dragon Age Mass Effect Fire Emblem The Last of Us Part I and II   Books mentioned:  Love In Focus, Lyla Lee

My guest this week is Chip Pons, the author of You And I, Rewritten and the forthcoming reality TV romance Winging It With You. He walked me through his publishing journey, from querying agents to self-publishing to making his trad pub debut during Pride 2025. Then we talked about the radically beautiful cover of his rom-com. Finally, how can we bring more gay men into the romance community as readers and as authors?  Follow Chip Pons on Instagram and learn about his book tour dates at @booksovrbros. Purchase WINGING IT WITH YOU and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast! Your financial support makes this independent production possible.  My second-chance bisexual romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY with its beautiful new digital cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen!   Books mentioned in this episode include:  Slammed by Colleen Hoover Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston You And I, Rewritten and Winging It With You by Chip Pons

Welcome to PRIDE, y’all!! This week’s guest is Joanna Lowell, the author of historical romances including A Shore Thing, The Duke Undone, and A Rare Find, which comes out on June 10th. She is also a Professor in the English Department at Wake Forest University.  We talked about her experience teaching modern romance novels alongside classics like Jane Austen in the classroom, and the threat the Trump administration poses to historical research and academia. Then she took us inside her writing process and collaborating with her partner to create trans and nonbinary characters. After all, people have lived and loved outside the gender binary throughout history. Follow Joanna on Instagram @JoannaLowellAuthor and visit her website at joannalowell.com You can find A Shore Thing and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes fo the podcast! Your financial support makes this independent production possible.  My second-chance bisexual romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY with its beautiful new digital cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen! Books mentioned this episode include: The works of Jane Austen The Bromance Book Club, Lyssa Kay Adams The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang An Extraordinary Union, Alyssa Cole The Prospects, KT Hoffman A Gentleman’s Gentleman, TJ Alexander Unmasked by the Marquess, Cat Sebastian Las Leonas series, Adriana Herrera Luna Sisters series, Liana De la Rosa Damsels of Discovery and Secret Scientists of London series, Elizabeth Everett Ladies In Hating, Alexandra Vasti  

Buckle up for the first ever Rebel Ever After quarterly romance discourse round-up. This month I analyzed the bad vibes of 2025: Why is the Chicago Sun Times recommending books that don't exist? Has publishing abandoned diverse voices? Why are popular books by black authors so hard to find in bookstores lately? Is Silver Elite a worthy successor to The Hunger Games? And what the hell is up with straight influencer Tinx publishing a sapphic "romance" novel? I discuss all of that and more in this premium episode. Listen to the full episode by subscribing for $3/month at patreon.com/brosandprose   

This week's guest is Harper St. George, the author of many historical romances including The Heiress Gets A Duke, The Stranger I Wed, and Eliza and The Duke (out on June 24th). We talked about writing relationships between equals across different time periods, from Vikings to the Victorian Era to the Wild West. Plus: Is indie publishing the future for historical romance? Are progressive heroes "historically inaccurate"? And what's it like to write a category Harlequin romance?  Pre-order ELIZA AND THE DUKE from Eagle Eye Books to get a signed copy and a stunning art print! Here's the link to do so: https://eagleeyebooks.com/book/9780593441023 Follow Harper on Instagram and Threads @harperstgeorge, and subscribe to her newsletter at harperstgeorge.com. Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server! Your financial support makes this indie podcast possible.  My second-chance romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY with its beautiful new digital cover, is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen!

This week’s guest is Betty Cayouette, author of TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL and ONE LAST SHOT. We talked about writing a romance that starts with a third act breakup, if the miscommunication trope deserves the hate it gets, and why a second-chance needs an excellent apology. Then Betty and I talked about sneaking the wage gap into a rom-com, and romance heroines who have experienced sexual violence and trauma. Plus: the dark reality of internet fame, male heroes who have a lot of growing to do, and why we both support the Victims Rights Law Center.  Be advised that this episode contains discussion of sexual assault and harassment. Follow Betty as @bettysbooklist on Instagram and TikTok, and visit her website at bettysbooklist.com. You can buy her books at the Rebel Ever After affiliate Bookshop.org store at https://bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Donate and volunteer with the VRLC at victimrights.org Please rate, review, and subscribe to Rebel Ever After on your favorite podcast app! Support the show by becoming a patron at patreon.com/brosandprose starting at $3/month.  Listen to the first Rebel Ever After PREMIUM episode about STI stigma in romance at bit.ly/REABonusEp1 My second-chance romance But How Are You, Really with its BEAUTIFUL new cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel

This week’s guest is Myah Ariel, the author of two contemporary romance novels that take place in the entertainment industry. First we discussed how her mother’s real life experience integrating an all-white school in the 1960s inspired her debut novel WHEN I THINK OF YOU. Then we dove into her new book NO ORDINARY LOVE, a deliciously sexy romance about a singer who falls in love with a baseball player while she’s in the process of divorcing her unfaithful media mogul husband. We talked about writing heroes who are worthy of the trust of heroines recovering from abusive relationships, and the real life divas who inspired her main character, Ella Simone. Be advised that this episode contains discussion of emotional abuse and abusive litigation, weaponized prenups, and shitty men. Follow Myah as @myahmeetscute on Instagram and Threads, and visit her website at myahariel.com. You can buy her books at the Rebel Ever After affiliate Bookshop.org store at https://bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after You can listen to Ariel's No Ordinary Love Spotify playlist here. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Rebel Ever After on your favorite podcast app! Support the show by becoming a patron at patreon.com/brosandprose starting at $3/month.  Listen to the first Rebel Ever After PREMIUM episode about STI stigma in romance at bit.ly/REABonusEp1 My second-chance romance But How Are You, Really with its BEAUTIFUL new cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel

My guest this week is Leanne Schwartz! She is the author of several YA fantasy novels and the adult contemporary rom-com My Kind of Trouble, a brilliant homage to The Music Man. We talked about bringing a mid-century musical into the modern day with a stern librarian battling book bans in his community and a smoke show con artist who targets corrupt wealthy white men.  We also talked at length about autistic and neurodivergent representation in romance. Leanne shared how she writes autistic characters beyond the stereotypes we typically see in pop culture. Plus: fat heroines who love their bodies and the case for books that buck conventional tropes (sorry, we're bored of tiny ladies who can climb their hunky heroes like trees). Follow Leanne on Instagram, Threads and BlueSky as @schwartzwords and on TikTok at @lifebreakingin, or go to leanneschwartz.com. You can find My Kind of Trouble and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at https://bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after This podcast is brought to you by the support of my patrons. For $3/month you can join my Patreon and help make Rebel Ever After sustainable, as well as get access to bonus episodes. You can subscribe at patreon.com/brosandprose. [Do not sign up within the iOS Patreon app on your iPhone because Apple tacks on a 30% fee — that money goes to Apple directly, not to me. I recommend joining the Patreon on your computer. Tech monopolies are bad.] Listen to the first Rebel Ever After PREMIUM episode about STI stigma in romance at bit.ly/REABonusEp1 My second-chance romance But How Are You, Really with its BEAUTIFUL new cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel

My guest this week is New York Times best-selling author Allison Raskin, whose first rom-com Save The Date was published this April by Canary Street Press. You may know Allison from her podcast Just Between Us with Gabe Dunn, her mental health newsletter Emotional Support Lady, or her previous life as a BuzzFeed star. In this episode Allison shares the true story that inspired Save The Date, and what it’s like to write a book about your fiancé walking out six months before your wedding. Then we talked about debunking the concept of soulmates, the difference between wanting to get married and wanting a wedding, and our solidarity with self-sabotaging mentally ill heroines.  Plus: Couples therapy! YouTube fame! Writing screenplays versus novels! Why wanting a serious relationship is not cringe! You can find all of Allison's books and sign up for her newsletter at allisonraskin.com! Follow her on Instagram @allisonraskin and on TikTok @allisonraskinbaby. This podcast is brought to you by the support of my patrons. For $3/month you can join my Patreon and help make Rebel Ever After sustainable, as well as get access to bonus episodes. You can subscribe at patreon.com/brosandprose. [Do not sign up within the iOS Patreon app on your iPhone because Apple tacks on a 30% fee — that money goes to Apple directly, not to me. I recommend joining the Patreon on your computer. Tech monopolies are bad.] Listen to the first Rebel Ever After PREMIUM episode about STI stigma in romance at bit.ly/REABonusEp1 My second-chance romance But How Are You, Really is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel  

As traditional publishers adapt to Trump Era Part II, there is concern in Romancelandia that books are about to get a lot whiter, straighter, and more conventional. Luckily, indie authors don't have to deal with gatekeepers. Is self-publishing the future for diverse, queer, progressive romance novels? What should you know before you decide to go indie? My guest this week is Georgina Kiersten, who also writes as Jasper Hale. Their work includes Fall Into You, More to Love, their diverse Sleepy Hollow retelling Splinter, and the serial Dracula retelling A Vicious Thirst.  Georgina walked me through the many ways you can self-publish your work today, from print-on-demand to Wattpad to serialized newsletters. We talked about marketing, monetization and merch, and why going indie can be a better fit for neurodivergent writers than a traditional book deal. Then we addressed the elephant in the room. How do we keep writing when the situation in the United States is this dire? Is it true that dangerous times lead to incredible protest art? And why did so many MAGA women think politics would never touch their favorite romances?  You can find all of Georgina's books and sign up for their newsletter at georginakiersten.com. Follow them on all social media platforms @ingloriousgigi. Join my cover reveal team for the updated But How Are You, Really ebook artwork at bit.ly/ButHowCoverReveal Listen to the first Rebel Ever After PREMIUM episode about STI stigma in romance at bit.ly/REABonusEp1 This show is brought to you by the support of my patrons! For $3/month you can join my Patreon and help make this podcast sustainable, as well as get access to bonus episodes. Make sure you join on your computer and not on the Patreon iOS app on your iPhone, because Apple tacks on an extra 30% fee. Tech monopolies are bad! You can subscribe at patreon.com/brosandprose