The Fresh Fiction Podcast

Vibe Check Gwen has finally moved, and she is traveling for work for the next two weeks!! Danielle is enjoying this blip of springtime in Chicagoland!  * Julia Quinn/Shondaland The Netflix show, QUEEN CHARLOTTE, goes up on May 4th! Gwen’s favorite Julia Quinn novel is ROMANCING MR. BRIDGERTON (Bridgerton #4). Danielle’s favorite is WHEN HE WAS WICKED (Bridgerton #6) Gwen loves two of Shonda Rhimes’s screenplays: CROSSROADS and THE PRINCESS DIARIES 2: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT. Danielle of course loves GREY’S ANATOMY, but also STILL STAR-CROSSED. * Interview with Julia Quinn QUEEN CHARLOTTE by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes, available May 9, 2023! Advice for aspriring romance authors: sit down and write the book! Also, figure out the process that works for you; it will be different for everyone. MISS BUTTERWORTH AND THE MAD BARON is the graphic novel Julia worked on with her sister, Violet Charles. Dog-sharing with her neighbors is brining Julia much joy! https://juliaquinn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliaQuinn/ https://www.instagram.com/juliaquinnauthor/ * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check We’re joined this week by entertainment critic and first repeat FF Pod guest, Susan Kamyab! Coming off of a busy awards season, Susan is enjoying just watching movies as a fan and not a critic. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of doing an hour-long segment about the Oscars on WFAA! It’s almost Spring Break for Danielle and her family and they are READY. This week, Danielle crossed 80,000 words on her WIP! Is Gwen moving? She doesn’t know. But she had a great time at SXSW and a ton of successful events for her day job!  * Spring 2023 Media Recs! MARCH/APRIL Susan, Movies: Super Mario Bros (4/5), Air (4/5), Paint (4/7), Showing Up (4/7), Beau is Afraid (4/27), Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (4/28) Gwen, TV: Succession on HBO (3/26), Yellowjackets on Showtime (3/26), Great Expectations on FX (3/26), Martha Stewart Cooking Show on Roku Channel (4/3), Beef on Netflix (4/6), Below Deck: Sailing Yacht on Bravo(4/10) Danielle, Books: Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller (3/28), Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker (4/4), The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur (4/18), Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan (4/28) MAY Susan, Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (5/5), What’s Love Got to Do With It (5/5), The Little Mermaid (5/26) Gwen, TV: Fatal Attraction on Paramount (4/30), Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story on Netflix (5/5), City on Fire on Apple TV+ (5/12) Danielle, Books: An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera (5/30), Lore Olympus Volume 4 by Rachel Smythe, Even if the Sky is Falling by Taj McCoy; Farah Heron; Lane Clarke; Charish Reid; Sarah Smith; Denise Williams (5/30) JUNE Susan, Movies: Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse (6/2), Elemental (6/16), No Hard Feelings (6/23), Joy Ride (6/23) Gwen, TV: Tony Awards on CBS (6/11) Danielle, Books: To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai (6/13), Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (6/13) * You can find Susan Kamyab at http://thischixflix.com/, and on Instagram and Twitter  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle succeeded at writing 15,000 words a week! Now, she needs to start making plans for the launch of ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE on August 8. She is enjoying the new Toni Morrison Memorial Stamps. Gwen has started to go through her desk ahead of her move but has more to do. This week she would like to take some clothes to be recycled and get her passport renewed! She’s finding joy in the new season of Top Chef: All Stars. Susan would like to start taking 30-minute walks every day and eat better. Watching movies from her childhood has been bringing her comfort: Smart House, Man of the House, First Kid, Jungle 2 Jungle, George of the Jungle, etc.! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen has a lot of upcoming travel and is moving! She is glad to have gotten over her recent cold. Danielle had a lot of things to do over the last week and wonders why everything happens at the same time. She also finished reading all 20+ trade volumes of the Lumberjanes series with her daughter!  * Main Discussion Let’s talk fantasy! The differences between Paranormal and Fantasy are vast, but also not quite as different as we thought. Hopefully you can make sense of what we mean. Danielle and Gwen both like fantasy on the screen more than on the page. The world building must be seamlessly built into the story, and, above all, it has to make SENSE. PS Danielle is a huge Tolkien nerd and this clip of Stephen Colbert out-nerding James Franco lives rent free in her mind. TV RECS Danielle: Pushing Daisies, Shadow & Bone, Once Upon a Time, Merlin, The Magicians Gwen: The Mayfair Witches, Westworld, The Good Place, House of Dragon/Game of Thrones MOVIE RECS Danielle: Lord of the Rings, Encanto, Labyrinth, Willow, Dark Crystal, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Princess Bride Gwen: Mad Max: Fury Road, The Last Unicorn, Everything Everywhere All at Once BOOK RECS Danielle: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Mila Vane, The Kingmaker Chronicles series by Amanda Bouchet; Authors I have not read but people LOVE: Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, G.A. Aiken Gwen: Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series (start with Ink and Bone), Ruby Dixon’s never-ending Ice Planet Barbarians; Abigail Owen’s new Dominion series (start with The Liar’s Crown) GAME RECS Gwen: Ascension deck building, Dragonlance tie-in game and new guidebook * Interview with Jennifer Estep CONQUER THE KINGDOM, now available! https://www.jenniferestep.com/ Facebook Twitter Instagram Upcoming releases: HEART STRINGS (May 9), GOOD ENEMIES (July 18), SPIDER & FROST (September 26) Jennifer has been watching Ghosts on CBS! * Goals/Comfort & Joy Gwen wanted to drink more water, and thanks to her cold, she did! This week Gwen wants to clean out her desk drawers before moving. Danielle turned in her pass pages for ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE (8/8/32). She is determined to write 15,000 words a week through the end of March to finish this WIP. Gwen is finding comfort in watching Vegas tourism videos ahead of her trip with her husband! Danielle loves any and all grocery store bakery cookies. * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Yr girls are busy this week with work, writing, and life. But we are getting prepped for Rihanna (and the Super Bowl). Gwen made Death by Chocolate Trifle from scratch, including this Chocolate Pudding and these Outrageous Brownies. Danielle has a plan in place for the next few months of her author newsletter. * ESCAPISM WITH INTENT Danielle’s Recs: Movies: Under the Tuscan Sun, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Brooklyn, The Holiday, Toy Story 4, Wild/Eat Pray Love/Julie & Julia; TV: Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Virgin River; Books: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez Gwen’s Recs: TV: The Peripheral, Poker Face, The White Lotus; Book: Flirty with Fifty by Jane Porter; Board Games: Pandemic, Takiedo * Interview with Rochelle Bilow https://www.rochellebilowwriting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rochellebilow https://twitter.com/BilowRochelle Rochelle recommends the Olive & June Mani System and the color Caramel Budino * Goals/Comfort & Joy Last time, Danielle wanted to get to 20,000 words in her WIP, and she is at 16,000! Now she needs to spend some time on her pass pages for ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE. Danielle has been eating all the Girl Scout Cookies, and encourages everyone to buy cookies from Troop 6000, which has scouts in NYC’s homeless shelter system: https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/en/whatgirlsdo/gs-troop-6000.html. Gwen wanted to fill out her conscious spending plan and has... not. But it is open on her internet browser! This week, Gwen needs to drink more water to help with hydration because it is so dry and cold right now. Leftover Chocolate Pudding is bringing her very much joy right now! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen and Danielle have both had sort of rough weeks, but we’re getting through it! Gwen has been going to bed early and Danielle successfully revealed the cover of ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE. * Truth in Fiction Gwen likes when real figures pop up in fiction works, to see how people reimagine them. Danielle struggles with real historical figures in fiction, unless under very specific circumstances. Gwen’s Recs: Inspired by real-life figures: The Menu, RRR, A Star is Born; Biopics: The Crown, Rocketman, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Recent/Upcoming: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Oppenheimer, Maestro Danielle’s Recs: Egregiously Inaccurate/Different: The Great, Dickinson, Reign, My Lady Janies YA series; Side Characters who are real life figures: Ever After, Downton Abbey, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter People we’d like to see portrayed on screen: Danielle—Josephine Baker, Gwen—Mary Pickford * Interview with Krystal Marquis THE DAVENPORTS, now available! https://krystalmarquis.com/ https://www.instagram.com/krystabelle_reads https://twitter.com/krystalmarquis https://www.tiktok.com/@krystalmarquis Follow Krystal for updates about Book 2! She’s enjoying the excitement and support in the days leading up to her book release, as well as making time for self-care and taking some time away from work. * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle did NOT get anywhere close to writing 20,000 words of her WIP, so she’s continuing this goal for this week. The graphic novel series Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, and Irene Flores is bringing her immense joy. Gwen has spent about 30 minutes everyday making plans for everything she needs to do. This week, she would like to fill out the Conscious Spending Plan, specifically with her subscription services. Gwen is enjoying the new reality show THE TRAITORS! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Happy 2023, Everyone! Danielle and Gwen are both getting over colds, and catching up after the holidays. But Danielle got to meet her best friend’s brand-new baby girl and Gwen went to the doctor! * How did we ring in New Year’s? Gwen and her husband got massages and had a quiet night at home. Then they spent time prepping meals and seeing friends for lunch on New Year’s Day. Danielle still had a cold but did manage to go out to dinner with her husband and daughter. They played Unicorns vs. Llamas Monopoly while Danielle napped and barely made it to midnight. Morale of the Story: we’re old now. * New Year’s INTENTIONS (overarching things; lifestyle changes/habits) Danielle: getting back into the freelance groove and working from home, using her desk cycler, going out into the world (sometimes), staying in contact with friends and people in general. Gwen: better documentation of things she enjoys, journaling regularly, keeping track of the media she consumes, and capturing moments from her big, ongoing projects, raching out to friends regularly. New Year’s GOALS (specific things we want to do) Danielle: finish the draft of her magical realism/women’s fiction WIP, finish editing a fake dating contemporary romance, and outline a smalltown romance series that only exists in her mind right now, LOL Gwen: plan trips to see friends, take time off and find more work-life balance, cooking project of making 3 meals at home per week from the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cook Book, stretch everyday, track and document things things she loves, and make a 2023 playlist. **We are holding ourselves accountable and will update all of you on our intentions and goals in May 2023! Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com to tell us your 2023 intentions and goals!**  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Last time, Gwen wanted to start prepping for her plan to make every recipe in AMerica’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two. She did, and modified her big goal slightly (which is ALLOWED!). This week, Gwen wants to commit to two hours a week of journaling and planning the week ahead. Gwen has been making Brownie Baked Oatmeal for evening snacks and that is making her SO happy. Danielle needed to finish her ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits and she did! Everything has been sent to her editor. This book will be in stores on August 8, 2023, and the cover reveal will happen on January 18! Follow Danielle on Instagram and Twitter for more details and learn how to see it early by signing up for her newsletter!! Danielle has found immense comfort in drinking hot water with lemon and honey. Water, who knew? LOL * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check We’re ready for the holidays! Also, it’s COLD. Danielle has finished her Christmas shopping and Gwen attended TWO Christmas markets.  * Faves of 2022 Both of your girls are dealing with feelings about media consumption—being okay with being behind and not being the target audience for everything anymore. TV Danielle: The Bear on FX/Hulu, Heartstopper on Netflix, Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Abbott Elementary on ABC, My Brilliant Friend on HBO Max, Miss Scarlett and the Duke on PBS Gwen: The Bear, The White Lotus, The Handmaid’s Tale, Harry and Meghan doc, Rick and Morty, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Bad Sisters, Yellowjackets, Wednesday, The Dropout, WeCrashed MOVIES Danielle: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Turning Red, Catherine Called Birdy Gwen: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; Turning Red, The Princess, Barbarian BOOKS Danielle: Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M Lopez, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg, Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne, My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee, Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith Gwen: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera, Meet Me in the Bathroom by Lizzy Goodman, The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson MISC. Danielle: Vitamin String Quartet (music), Renaissance by Beyonce (music), It’s Been a Minute with new host Brittany Luse (podcast) Gwen: Wet Leg by Wet Leg (music); I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (podcast), Articles of Interest (podcast, specifically the Prep season); You Must Remember This (podcast, erotic 80s); Spectacle (podcast, true crime); The Missing Pages (podcast, literary scandals); The Pixies (music) * Host Gift Exchange! Danielle’s gift from Gwen: a LizzyKate tea sampler: St. Nick’s Tea, Cranberry Hibiscus, Masala Chai, and Moroccan Mint and a tea-tasting notebook! Gwen’s gift from Danielle: You Already Have the Answers: A Gratitude Journal by Amanda Deibert and a Felt Flower Making Kit  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Last ep, Danielle said she needed to clean her desk. She actually cleaned her desk and her entire house, but now her desk is a mess again. This week, she needs to do ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits! She has also been enjoying Doritos 3D Crunch snacks. Gwen wanted to get into a better nighttime face washing routine so she could use her new, fancy La Mer product, and she has started! This time, Gwen wants to start prepping for her big 2023 project: making all of the recipes in America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cookbook! Gwen is also having all the egg nog lattes (and neither host likes egg nog on its own). * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check It’s cold in Chicagoland and Seattle, but Danielle and Gwen are staying cozy. Danielle hosted a couple of great bookstore events this week, while Gwen co-hosted Readers & ‘ritas in Texas. * Gift Guide 2022 For Your Fancy Friend Danielle: Voluspa Mokara Candle Gwen: A spa gift card. My local recommendation is Yaun Spa For the Sports Fiend Gwen: Gritty plush Danielle: Lewis Hamilton Funko Pop For a Book Lover Danielle: Check your local independent bookstores for SIGNED copies! They make excellent gifts for book lovers. Anderson’s Bookshop has a vast collection! Gwen: A fresh journal to document 2023’s TBRs and reads. Read Between the Lines has some adorable options, but also look for local spots to support your community For the Crafter Gwen: A cross body style apron from Hedley and Bennett Danielle: Michael’s Felt Applique Kit For a Woo-Woo Witch Danielle: The Modern Witch Tarot Journal Gwen: Cantrip Candles For the Kiddos Gwen: A big cozy blanket shaped like an animal Danielle: Anything and everything Squishmallows Also, a Costco-sized box of BandAids * Goals/Comfort & Joy Long-term Goal Check-In: Danielle has started working on her writing routine and has some outlines to get her started on new drafts in the coming month or so. Gwen definitely did Fall activities but did not keep up with intermittent fasting during her busy travel season. Last Episode Goal Updates: Danielle didn’t really do anything extra for her anniversary, but had a lovely weekend with her husband celebrating 9 years! This week, Danielle needs to clean her desk. Danielle’s IMAK RSI Smart Glove 2-Pack (recommended by fellow author Hanna Earnest) is helping her wrists while drafting. Gwen has prepped  for THanksgiving and just needs the big day to get here for a Friendsgiving celebration. Her new goal is to wash her face at night and use her new splurge on La Mer! Gwen has been wearing Bombas merino wool long socks to stay warm. * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen is prepping for more travel, but is excited to go back to Texas for Readers & ‘Ritas. She also scheduled a haircut while she’s there! Danielle is fighting off a cold that will not decide what it’s going to be... She and her family had an awesome Halloween in their neighborhood! * BORN IN FIRE by Nora Roberts The first of the Irish Born Trilogy. We LOVED this book. This was also Gwen’s first Nora Roberts read!! Danielle mentioned episodes of Fated Mates and Learning the Tropes, fellow romance podcasts, and Bonnets at Dawn, a podcast about women writers from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Danielle’s Nora Roberts Recs: Gallaghers of Ardmore series (another series set in Ireland), Bridal Quartet, Chesapeake Bay Series Gwen’s Born in Fire read-alikes: Danielle Jackson (LOL), Stella Cameron, Susan Elizabeth Phillips * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle painted Halloween cards and sent them to her friends! This week, she would like to do something nice for her husband for their 9th wedding anniversary. Re-reading the Irish Born series has brought her comfort, as well as watercolor painting regularly. Gwen made a schedule and stuck to it! This week, her goal is to start prepping for Thanksgiving. She has been drinking a lot of LizzyKate Tea and that makes her happy! BONUS: the podcast needs to start planning 2023!! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check After all of her recent traveling, Gwen got sick last week! But she is recovered and was able to finalize the program for Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘ritas event on November 12th! Danielle had two book events with Anderson’s Bookshop: Courageous Discomfort by Shanterra McBride and Rosalind Wiseman and The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban. She also got her COVID booster and flu shot! * HOCUS POCUS 2! Beware: SPOILERS! We talk about the ENTIRE movie, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve been warned. We loved how much fun everyone was having and that the subplot wasn’t a romance. We also LOVED the bit in Walgreens, but also wondered about the musical numbers. Nonetheless, we recommended for family-friendly spooky viewing! * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle successfully hosted her BFF’s baby shower! She made these awesome Spice Cake Mix Cookies that everyone loved! This week, she would like to send Halloween cards to her friends. Gwen did NOT move, and that has been put on hold for now. Her new goal is to plan out the next three weeks and stick to the schedule... including adding some breathing room/planned breaks. Danielle has been reading graphic novels to catch up on her Goodreads goal. Some recent reads: The Bad Guys series (enthusiastically recommended by her 8-yr-old daughter), The Sandman comics, and the Lumberjanes. Gwen recently enjoyed some Penzey’s Hot Chocolate Mix with Penzey’s Black and Red Spice and the show BAD SISTERS on AppleTV+. * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen has been all over the country, and she survived almost a full month of constant travel. Danielle is doing well, but is tired! Our family’s fall routine is finally getting into the groove, and she attended a book signing for her friend, Hanna Earnest and her new book, END OF THE DAY. * Host Check-In Gwen traveled for most of the month of September: NYC, Chicago, OKC, and back to NYC. Seeing friends and family and eating good food has refilled her creative well. Danielle is having a very busy time at the bookstore, is waiting for final word on book 2, thinking about what is beyond book 3, and everything else! How we cope when we’re overwhelmed: Danielle makes lists on lists on lists. Gwen makes charts and tries to journal every morning to organize her thoughts. Also, new candles, taking walks, or watching reality TV. Get excited for Readers & ‘ritas 2022, which is in person in Texas! Join Danielle and Denise Williams at an LSA Event on 10/22. Also, if you need a gentle writing challenge, check out #FinishUrBookFall, hosted by author Claribel Ortega! * Interview with Celestine Martin WITCHFUL THINKING is now available! Celestine’s Witchy Faves: The Teen Witch starring Robin Lively, The Craft, Charmed (the OG), Practical Magic, The Good Witch, Bonnie Bennet on Vampire Diaries Fan casting her main characters: Nicole Beharie as Lucy and Winston Duke as Alex Celestine will be at New York Comic Con on October 7th! Follow Celestine: https://celestinemartin.com/ Twitter (where she’s most active) Instagram  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle was successful in some long-term social media planning (follow her on Instagram for regular giveaways and book recs) and would like to have a successful baby shower for one of her best friends in the next week. Gwen successfully stayed hydrated through all of her travels and is probably moving in the next few weeks! Danielle is leaning into all things witchy with the Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck by Jennifer Sodini and Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle. Gwen found immense comfort in eating Tex-Mex from Chuy’s and Texas BBQ while she visited home! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen is doing a lot of reflecting, and successfully booked a hotel for her upcoming trip to NYC. Danielle is getting used to back to school and turned in Book 2.  * MESSY CHARACTERS! This discussion came about purely so we could talk about Carmy from THE BEAR again. Danielle’s TV and Movie Picks: How to Get Away with Murder, Fleabag, Starstruck, Lovesick, New Girl, Insecure, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Bridget Jones’s Diary Gwen’s TV and Movie Picks: This Fool, A League of Their Own, The Wedding Season, Euphoria, Girls, most reality TV, and a shout-out to the couples on the I Will Teach You To Be Rich podcast. Danielle’s Book Picks: 99% Mine by Sally Thorne, Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert, Boyfriend Material/Husband Material by Alexis Hall, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Gwen’s Celebrity Picks: Courtney Love, Britney Spears, Adele, and J.Lo and Ben Affleck * Interview with Denise Williams DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN is in stores September 6! You can find out more about Denise’s books and novellas on her website: https://www.denisewilliamswrites.com/ Watching Superstore on Hulu has given Denise great joy and comfort (and we agree)! Denise has three books planned for 2023: a compilation of her 2022 novellas set at an airport called LOVE AND OTHER FLIGHT DELAYS, a story in the romance anthology EVEN IF THE SKY IS FALLING, and her 4th full-length novel, coming in September 2023—title and cover reveal coming soon! Follow Denise on the socials: Instagram Twitter TikTok Newsletter  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle is working on drinking more water and wants to plan out some ongoing social media for her author platforms. Gwen hasn’t been working on her squats, but she would like to join Danielle on increasing her water intake. A new water bottle perhaps? Danielle is enjoying the Black Girl Magic Red Wine Blend, which was a gift from her author pal Melonie Johnson! Gwen has been indulging in Crumbl cookies! Particularly the French Silk and Chocolate Chip. REMINDER: We are taking the month of September off because of travel and new writing endeavors. We will be back in October because it’s the most wonderful time of the year: HALLOWEEN! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Hi, It’s future Gwen. Danielle and I planned to take the month of September off, but leave you with a few episodes before the hiatus. Life got in the way of our plans, and due to hectic travel and writing schedules, and attempting to spend time with family before the end of the summer – we had to take a longer break than we originally expected. We’re back with three brand-new episodes this month, including interviews with Denise Williams and Celestine Martin. But first, Danielle and I share our most anticipated fall entertainment. Just for some context, we recorded this conversation before TIFF and the Venice Film Festival. Vibe Check Danielle and Gwen are out here surviving and thriving! It was Danielle’s daughter’s 8th birthday and Gwen did ALL OF HER LAUNDRY. Please clap.  * Main Discussion Danielle’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Get back on a regular writing schedule Gwen’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Intermittent Fasting + Fall activities (apple picking!) Danielle’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cobbler (I used 1 TBSP of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices and leave out the orange extract) Gwen’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie  * Fall 2022 Recs! SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Danielle: Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (9/2 Amazon Prime), the return of Abbot Elementary (9/21; Quinta Burnson Awards Chatter podcast interview), Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the return of Miss Scarlett and the Duke (10/16, PBS), The Woman King (9/16), Blonde (9/23, Netflix), Don’t Worry Darling (9/23), Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams (9/6), The Caretaker by Alyssa Cole (9/6); On the Hustle by Adriana Herrera (10/11), The Belle of Bellgrave Square by Mimi Matthews (10/11) Gwen: Celebrity Jeopardy (9/25); Monarch (9/20 Fox); So Help Me Todd (9/29 CBS); Alaska Daily (10/6 ABC); Young Rock (11/4 NBC); Interview with the Vampire (10/2 AMC); A League of Their Own (August Amazon), The Silent Twins (9/16); Bros (9/30); Ticket to Paradise (10/21); New season of You Must Remember This; Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Cool It Down” NOVEMBER-DECEMBER Danielle: A Knives Out Mystery (November), Amsterdam (11/4), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (11/11), Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (11/15); Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca (12/6) Gwen: The Menu (11/18); She Said (11/18); Empire of Light (12/9); I Wanna Dance with Somebody (12/21)  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle FINALLY cleaned her house and needs to drink more water after a very busy publication month. She has been finding immense joy in Nothing Bundt Cakes confetti buntinis. Gwen is continuing to potty train her puppy and would like to work on her squats. The Bellevue Candle in Vanilla and Monk Fruit (from our beloved Costco) is the perfect scent to bring a sense of comfort.  * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP by Danielle Jackson has finally arrived! It has been a whirlwind week; Danielle’s Instagram has all the details: https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/ Gwen has taken the bus to work and got to spend time at a farewell dinner for her friend who is moving to France! Ooh la la!  * Main Discussion Pop Culture Baking! Gwen’s Recs Movies: Ratatouille, any studio Gibli movie, Waitress, Sweeney Todd, Hook TV: Crime Scene Kitchen, Is it Cake? (avoid Sweetbitter) Books: Joanne Fluke’s cozy mysteries (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) with Hannah Swenson Danielle’s Recs Movies: Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate TV: Cupcake Wars, Great British Baking Show, Nailed It, Pushing Daisies Books: Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall, Battle Royale by Lucy Parker, Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera, For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa * Interview with {author name} THE ROMANCE RECIPE, now available! Hot Copy is also available https://www.rubybarrett.com/ https://twitter.com/RubyBarretWrite https://www.instagram.com/rubybarrettwrite/ Foodie Reality TV Recs: Ruby loves Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen. Danielle enjoys the OG: Top Chef. Gwen is a big fan of Guy’s Grocery Games. Ruby recommends a fancy latte with a design and some kind of breakfast snack, like a yogurt parfait, to eat while reading her book! Ruby’s recent book recs: FIRE SEASON by KD Casey LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS by Anita Kelly, NEVER BEEN KISSED by Timothy Janovsky, and FOOL ME ONCE by Ashley Winstead What’s bringing Ruby Joy: the release of Harry’s House by Harry Styles, Heartstopper on Netflix Ruby has more books in the works, and hopes to self-publish a SFF/post-apocalyptic second chance romance sometime this year.  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle successfully enjoyed going on vacation AND releasing her book! This week, she needs to clean her house. The latest episode of the Boozy Book Broads with special guests Pippa Grant and Ali Hazelwood is bringing her much joy (and great writing advice): The Boozy Book Broads Talk Publishing Gwen is making progress on her goal of potty training her puppy Aria, and will continue to work on this!! Gwen has found a new recipe to love: Japanese Curry from NYT Cooking (you can find a similar recipe here that isn’t behind a paywall) * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check We took a break and feel great! But we’re so happy to be back!! Danielle is attempting to go on vacation and release a book and work at the bookshop all at the same time. But she actually updated the News and Events sections of her website—go look at them! Gwen got a NEW PUPPY (who is noisily chewing/playing with her bone throughout this episode)! That is both her vibe and her achievement this week, and we are here for it.  * What pop culture have we been consuming this summer? We both HIGHLY recommend The Bear (FX on Hulu). What Gwen is watching: Loot (Apple TV+), Barry (HBO Max) What Danielle is watching: Heartstopper (Netflix), Ms. Marvel (Disney+) Queen Sugar (OWN/Hulu), Wimbledon What Gwen is reading: Meet Me in The Bathroom by Lizzie Goodman What Danielle is reading: Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Heartbreaker by Sara MacLean (August), Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng (October); re-reads: the entire Reluctant Royals Series by Alyssa Cole, all of Lore Olympus on Webtoons What Gwen is listening to: Podcasts: You Must Remember This, Spectacle podcast, You’re Wrong About (Go Ask Alice); Music: Wet Leg, WILLOW, Beyonce, Bob Moses What Danielle is listening to: Podcasts: Newcomers (MCU season), Wait is This a Date w/ Drew Gregory and Christina Tucker; Music: Harry’s House * Interview with Danielle Jackson (we know her!) THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP hits stores on July 19th! For buy links and info to order personalized, signed copies from independent bookstores: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/books Website: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/ https://twitter.com/DJacksonBooks https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/ https://www.goodreads.com/daniellejackson * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle didn’t really spend a ton of time outside like she wanted to (plans to make up for this in FL!)… This week, Danielle wants to focus on enjoying vacation and her book launch week!!!! She has found immense comfort in Ben & Jerry’s Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream Ice Cream and Pilot Acroball Fine Point ballpoint pens (Gwen recommends Pentel Energel RTX pens as well) Gwen did cook for herself while her husband was on a business trip, but then her fridge died, so... This week, Gwen wants to potty train her new pup, Aria! Her comfort this week comes from La Colombe Coffee (found at our beloved Costco, natch) * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check We’re both doing our best to deal with the news, but Gwen has a very clean apartment after getting a new Dyson cordless vacuum, and Danielle has been reading a TON!  * Main Discussion Welcome to the first FF Podcast Book Club! We read A CARIBBEAN HEIRESS IN PARIS by Adriana Herrera. We really loved it! Gilded Age Recs: Mr. Selfridge, The Paradise, The Buccaneers, The Age of Innocence, Howards End, Ken Burns’s Gilded Age Documentary PS—No one understood the Gilded Glamour assignment at this year’s Met Gala. * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle was supposed to work in her garden, but did not. This week, she would like to spend time outside every day. Gwen did not organize her office (but has a deadline to do so in a couple of days!). This week, she wants to cook for herself instead of ordering food while her husband is away. Danielle has been enjoying the graphic novels by Reina Telgemeier! Gwen loves her teak shower foot roller! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Danielle has a cold but finished book 2! Gwen is nervous and excited to go on a work retreat and outlining her schedule in her journal has helped with her mood!  * Host Check-In + Summer Rapid Fire We are ready for summer! Some highlights from this rambling discussion: Gwen enjoyed her vacations to Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, but enjoyed being home most (to watch *Nsync videos and walk around with her BFF). Danielle remembers going to San Francisco and really enjoying the touristy stuff! Yogurt parfaits and Oreo ice cream cakes are IMPORTANT. We like ice cream a lot, actually. Danielle is going to publish a book this summer! Gwen is going to the beach!! * Interview with {author name} SOMETHING WILDER, now available! https://christinalaurenbooks.com/ Instagram Twitter Facebook Page Facebook Group Adventurous Movie Recs: Romancing the Stone, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Goonies, Fool’s Gold, Tangled, Speed, The Princess Bride. What’s Bringing CLo joy: BTS and K-Pop! Jungkook’s Bad Guy lip-sync convinced Lauren to become a part of the BTS Army!  * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle sort of kind of maybe started working on something new, and would like to give her garden some extra attention. Gwen organized her pantry, and needs to spend more time organizing everything else, especially her desk and what is behind her during video calls. Danielle recommends Tony’s Chocoloney’s Chocolate Bars and Gwen is really into the oat milk mochas she gets from her new café! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen is feeling cozy! Danielle is tired! Gwen washed and put away all of her clothes after her big move; Danielle made her family pound cake for Easter.  * Main Discussion Let’s face it—we love a book adaptation, whether it’s on TV or a movie! Gwen:  You, Trainspotting, The Princess Diaries, Atonement, Virgin Suicides, Normal People Danielle: Shakespeare remakes—Romeo & Juliet, Romeo + Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tragedy of Macbeth, 10 Things I Hate About You, O, Hamlet; Austen—Clueless, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta; TV Adaptations—Poldark, Station Eleven, My Brilliant Friend, Good Omens, “YA”: The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Heartstopper * Interview with ABBY JIMENEZ PART OF YOUR WORLD, now available! Nadia Cakes, Abby’s cupcake shop (she won Cupcake Wars!) Movie Deal Announcement for The Happy Ever After Playlist Abby’s Page-to-Screen recs: Warm Bodies, The Hating Game Gwen’s Page-to-Screen recs: Clueless, My Brilliant Friend Danielle’s Page-to-Screen recs: Trainspotting, Little Women Connect with Abby: https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/ Facebook Page Facebook Group Twitter Instagram TikTok * Goals/Comfort & Joy Last time, Gwen wanted to finish packing and move... and she did! Now she’d like to organize her pantry. Gwen is also really enjoying Julia on HBO Max. Danielle tried to read a nonfiction book but did not. This week, she’d like to write something new, not related to what she’s working on right now. Related to writing, Danielle has found comfort in long-form journal writing, and Gwen suggested she consider doing The Artist’s Way! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check It’s Spring Break and Danielle is in the thick of book 2 revisions! Also, everyone should check out ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir. Gwen is MOVING and by the time this episode airs, she will be in her new place!  * WEDDINGS! Danielle got married at the height of Pinterest weddings and made all of her flowers out of paper and book pages. Gwen was 40 minutes late to her outdoor wedding in the hills of Virginia and it had a “movie” theme. Memorable TV Weddings Gwen: Kelly and Zack on Saved by the Bell, Luke and Laura on General Hospital, Jim and Pam on The Office, the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones Danielle: Meredith and Derek on Grey’s Anatomy (the post-it note), All of Parks & Rec’s surprise weddings, David and Patrick on Schitt’s Creek, Ralph Angel and Darla on Queen Sugar Wedding Movies Gwen: All versions of Father of the Bride, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bridesmaids, Sex and the City, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Danielle: Also Father of the Bride, Crazy Rich Asians, The Wedding Planner, Monsoon Wedding, About Time Pop Culture Moments: Meghan and Harry, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bisset Books: Nora Robert’s The Bride Quartet, Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series by Jenny Holiday, D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins, Mia Sosa’s The Worst Best Man and The Wedding Crasher * Interview with Mia Sosa THE WEDDING CRASHER THE WORST BEST MAN Connect with Mia: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Romance tropes that Mia loves: Friends-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, Grumpy-Sunshine What’s making Mia happy: Love is Blind on Netflix * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle did not read a nonfiction book, but she wants to read You Got Anything Stronger by Gabrielle Union (she also finally cleaned her desk!). This week, Danielle wants to actually read a nonfiction book! Gwen succeeded in packing up her kitchen stuff and needs to continue to pack because she is literally moving in 24 hours. Danielle has been reading old school romances: Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer and Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. Gwen went to her local cookie kiosk! * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite

Vibe Check Gwen has been traveling and booked movers! Danielle has been going outside and started working on more book 2 revisions! * Main Discussion Self-care has changed so much and is incredibly personal. We’re discussing our own self-care practices and how we approach taking care of ourselves. * Our interview with KATE SPENCER IN A NEW YORK MINUTE Kate’s Website Kate’s Instagram Kate’s memoir: THE DEAD MOM’S CLUB Forever35 Podcast Book recs from Kate: the entire Ice Planet Barbarians series (and spinoffs!) by Ruby Dixon, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry, ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED by Farah Herron, A THOUSAND MILES by Bridget Morrissey (6/21), FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by Elissa Sussman (4/12) Kate has a new puppy! The Encanto soundtrack is giving her entire household life. And she recommends the folk singer Henry Jamison, especially for writing! * Goals/Comfort & Joy Danielle did not clean her desk (and probably won’t now that revisions have started) but would like to read a nonfiction book. Gwen did not start going through her closets but thinks packing up her kitchen might be a better place to start. Danielle loves her Old Skool platform Vans. Gwen is reading and loving Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid * EMAIL US! Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com. * Find us on the Socials! Gwen Reyes Twitter Facebook Instagram Danielle Jackson Twitter Instagram Fresh Fiction Twitter Facebook Instagram EventBrite