"Society drama requires people to be all in the same room."

Kyla Zhao is my guest this week ahead of the release of her debut novel, The Fraud Squad, coming out in January! Kyla’s book was inspired by her time working for high society magazines like Tatler and Vogue in Singapore. We talk about cultural differences, Trader Joe’s, and how her book was her antidote to doom scrolling in 2020. ... Music: purple-planet.com

530. Writing the Book You Want to Read with Kyla Zhao

(But not at the same time)

Emily Nagoski has a new podcast, <a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/come-as-you-are" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Come As You Are</a>! If you’ve read her books, you know what this is about. We dive right into questions of consent and enthusiasm, the way the ace/aro community has developed conversations about sexuality within the field of sex education, and how the pandemic has affected sexuality. So much of her show and this conversation center on how to address sexual satisfaction in your own life. We also talk about her next book, which is about how couples sustain sexual attraction over the long term. Music: purple-planet.com

548. Enthusiastic Sex and Podcasting with Emily Nagoski 

"What is the company's game plan? We don't know."

This episode was recorded on Monday 23 January 2023. On Thursday, 26 January, the HarperCollins Union announced that <a href="https://twitter.com/hcpunion/status/1618610435762311170" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HarperCollins has agreed to enter mediation</a>. In this interview, we go over the breakdown in negotiations that led to the HarperCollins Union strike, and the demands of the union. Thank you to Barb, Bransler, Clay, Agnes, and Susan for the questions and to the Patreon community for the enthusiastic support and encouragement for this interview. Music: Purple-planet.com

547. The HarperCollins Strike with Olga Brudastova, President of UAW 2110

"Nicholas Cage fits Perfectly!" 

Ali Hazelwood has a new anthology in print, Loathe to Love You, and she joins me to talk about becoming a full-time writer and the development of the novellas in this anthology. And then I hit her with a series of silly questions. Woo hoo! Bring on the mayhem. Music: purple-planet.com

546. Love and Mayhem with Ali Hazelwood 

"There are no IFs or BUTs in a good apology."

Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy are the authors of a new, dishy, and fascinating book, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies. We’re going to talk about public apologies, celebrity mishaps, and the psychology of what creates a good apology. If you’ve been thinking of making amends, or are writing a good grovel, this is a perfect episode for you.…Music: purple-planet.com

545. The Art of Good Apologies with Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy

"We made it!"

Nobody brings just one book to the recommendation party! Our first podcast of 2023 features Amanda and me talking about her favorite books of 2022, and a new 2023 title, too! Plus, we discuss her discovery of the unique joys of cozy horror.&nbsp; Plus, Melonie Johnson also shares her wishes, books, and wins. Thank you for being part of our year end episodes! Happy New Year!

544. Wishes, Wins, Recs and Happy New Year with Melonie and Amanda

Happy Almost New Year’s Eve! Today Martin joins me from Norway to talk about his wins and wishes for you this year, and the books that made his year better, and why. Then Cara joins us to share what author got her out of a massive reading slump. Settle in for a nice global holiday visit that will definitely lift your spirits. Music: purple-planet.com

543. Recs, Wishes, and Wins with Martin and Cara

"It's like Project Runway is trapped in amber."

Shana and Maya join me to talk about the books that absolutely rocked their world this year, and because Shana was reading <a href="https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/bookinfo/the-love-con/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seressia Glass’ The Love Con,</a> we take a nice detour into “what we would do if we were in charge of reality television shows.” From GBBO to Project Runway, we have some thoughts! Music: purple-planet.com

542. Recs and Reality TV with Shana and Maya

“I work at a company because I like to eat food.”  

Tara and AJ and I connected to talk about books, wins, and wishes, and took a great side trip into why the term “quiet quitting” is hot garbage, and how to achieve contentment and peace by being as mediocre as possible. If you’re feeling burnt out, you might find a lot to love in this conversation. We also discuss AJ’s new favorite genre: gay longing in spooky landscapes.…Music: purple-planet.com...Visit <a href="https://LifeMD.com/SARAH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LifeMD.com/SARAH</a> today to experience healthcare the way it should be! #lifemdpod

541. Recommendations and Revolutions with Tara and AJ 

"I laughed every couple pages."

More holiday fun! I hope you’re enjoying these year-end recaps as much as we are! This week, Carrie and Sneezy from the SBTB review team join me to talk holiday wishes, year-end wins, and their favorite books of 2022. We also hear from Claudia, Darlene Marshall, Sandra and Katherine with their picks, too, so hold on to your holiday TBR. ... Sleep better with Blissy and use SARAH to get an additional 30% off at blissy.com/SARAH Music: Purple-planet.com

540. Holiday Wishes with Carrie, Sneezy, Sandra, Claudia, Darlene Marshall, and Katherine

We talk about romance novels and cause all sorts of trouble.

Each week on Smart Podcast, Trashy Books, Sarah Wendell interviews authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, publishing professionals, editors, and librarians about romance novels, which are among the most popular genres in fiction worldwide. Popular guests include: Ilona Andrews, Robin Bradford, NPR's Barrie Hardymon, Jaye Wells, and Rachel Aaron. Amanda Diehl, co-pilot of the SS Smart Bitches, makes regular appearances with maximum silliness. Frequent topics include romance novels, the way the genre is changing, and the brilliant and interesting people who read, write, and produce it, and issues common among romance readers. Plus, we always recommend some books we're reading and really enjoying. Learn more at SB-TB.com/Podcast.

Smart Podcast, Trashy Books

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530. Writing the Book You Want to Read with Kyla Zhao

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547. The HarperCollins Strike with Olga Brudastova, President of UAW 2110

546. Love and Mayhem with Ali Hazelwood

545. The Art of Good Apologies with Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy