Ashley surrounded by books, holding her copy of Cherish Farrah
Author Interview, Blog, Social Justice

Bethany C. Morrow Writes Social Horror

In Cherish Farrah, Bethany C. Morrow has written a novel that embodies social horror, showing societal oppression from a horror lens. Described as Get Out meets My Sister, The Serial Killer, Cherish Farrah delves into the uniquely sinister situation experienced by the only two Black girls in a white country club community as one of […]

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

Anthropology & Adapting Stories with Tess Gerritsen + Capitalism, Community & Coming-of-Age with Sarah Thankam Mathews

Two author interviews wrapped up in one episode!  First, Ashley interviews Tess Gerritsen about her novel, Listen to Me, the latest in the Rizzoli & Isles novel series. The conversation includes Tess’ work as an anthropology undergraduate student and as a physician, writing women in power, how she writes victims and survivors, and adapting her

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

Double Header: Tess Gunty and Jamie Brenner

In this double header, Renee discusses “dying” post-industrial rust belt cities with Tess Gunty, author of The Rabbit Hutch. Tess and Renee share a hometown, so they chat about the misconceptions of these towns and how Tess depicted a similar setting in her debut novel. Then Ashley chats with Jamie Brenner, who just released Gilt

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Kimberla Lawson Roby's headshot alongside the Sister Friends Forever book cover
Author Interview, Blog

Faith and Friendship with Kimberla Lawson Roby

In Kimberla Lawson Roby’s novel, Sister Friends Forever, Lynette, Michelle, Serena, and Kenya are “sister friends” living life on their terms. The story is a powerful testament to loving yourself and rebuking societal and personal expectations. My conversation with Kimberla Lawson Roby circled around writing characters and faith, who inspired her to write this story,

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

Artist Advocacy and Flowers with Harold Green III

Feminism is truly for everybody. In this episode Ashley interviews Harold Green III about his books, BLACK OAK and BLACK ROSES. The conversation includes honoring powerful Black people, being an artist advocate, attending Grambling State University, and being a Black man of faith.  Bookstore mentioned:  Semicolon Bookstore for BLACK OAK Semicolon Bookstore for BLACK ROSES 

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

Girls, Gay, Theys & The Music Industry + Dreams & Dating with Angie Hockman

We have a two part episode today! In the first segment Alana speaks with Jordan, the CEO & Founder of Analogue Records, about representation in the music industry, Berklee College of Music, and the importance of community within the industry. In conversation, Alana and outline discuss sexism within TikTok comments and what the future of

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Author Interview, Book Reviews, Bookish Life, Podcast Shownotes

Non-Fiction Graphic Novels with Sally + A Seat at the Radical Queer Dinner Party

Graphic memoirs get a lot of love – as well they should! Still, there are other non-fiction graphic novels that deserve love too. Sally shares some of her faves and why she loves this format so much. Stick around for an interview with Annie Krabbenschmidt and hear about their recently released memoir, Fred: An Unbecoming

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

BRB. I’ll be Crying in the Bathroom from now on: A discussion with Erika L. Sánchez

Figuring yourself out in the world isn’t always the best time.  In this episode, Rah sits down with Erika L. Sánchez to discuss her memoir, Crying in the Bathroom that was released July 12, 2022. They discuss why our stories are so important, finding representation, and generational trauma. Book CW: suicidal thoughts, abortion Check out

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Author Interview, Blog, Podcast Shownotes

How Comedy Helps Us Cope with Laura Chinn

What is the purpose of comedy? Ashley interviewed Laura Chinn about her memoir, ACNE. Ashley asked Laura about writing about acne as the anchor of experiences for her memoir, comedy’s purpose, how she cared for herself while writing about her childhood, writing about being biracial, and reflecting about death and its aftermath. Preorder Acne: A

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