The LitJoy Podcast with Kelly and Alix

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix interview Brandon Mull, author of the beloved Fablehaven series. Listen in as they discuss inspirations, characters, writing, and more! Topics Discussed:[0:58] Origin Story of Becoming an Author[4:46] Inspiration for Fablehaven[6:21] Daydreams Create Stories[10:52] Writer's Block[15:01] Harness the Crazy[15:57] Becoming a Better Writer[19:11] Inspiration from Life[21:24] Creating Characters[26:57] Relatable Characters[30:12] Writing Other Genres[33:02] Advice for New Authors[34:42] Divine Comedy[36:03] Writing Middle Grade[40:45] Community of Writers in Utah[43:54] Coffee with an Author[45:21] Book Rec: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card[46:18] Upcoming Projects[47:17] Final QuestionsBooks MentionedFablehaven series by Brandon MullBeyonders trilogy Brandon MullThe Candy Shop War series by Brandon MullThe Chronicles of Narnia series by CS LewisThe Harry Potter series by JK RowlingThe Lord of the Rings series by JRR TolkienOn Writing by Stephen KingThe Twilight Saga by Stephenie MeyerWhat's New at LitJoy?Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening StarFollow Brandon MullWebsiteFollow LitJoy!We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy PodcastSubscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-emailJoin our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateCheck out LitJoy's officially licensed author collectionsUse the code PODCAST10 for a 10% discount!Thank you for joining us for this special interview! We've loved collaborating with Brandon Mull for the first two Fablehaven books, and we can't wait for you all to see the magic we have in store for the rest of the series. Come back next week when Alix and Kelly will return to their discussion on self-help book recs!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix discuss some of their most influential self-help books. From sexuality and the sleep cycle, to stress and then science of breathing, they take a look at books that have had an impact on the way they live their lives. Topics Discussed:[2:46] The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile[14:01] The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills[21:12] The Untethered Soul: the Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer[26:03] Come as You Are & Burnout by Emily Nagoski https://amzn.to/3UT4viI[32:01] Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker[35:55] Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James NestorOther Resources MentionedMatthew Walker on The Huberman LabWhat's New at LitJoy?Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening StarKingdom of the Wicked CollectionFollow LitJoy!We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-emailJoin our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateCheck out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!Thank you for listening to this week's podcast! We have an amazing interview with Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series, that you won't want to miss next week. Then we'll be back the following week for Part 2 of Alix and Kelly's Most Influential Self-Help Book Recs... see you then!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix talk with Natalie Sue about five books that have impacted her life.Author BioNatalie Sue is a Canadian author of Iranian and British descent. She spent her formative years moving around western Canada with a brief stint in Scotland, where she discovered her passion for storytelling and the comfort of reading. She’s served her country in the Tim Hortons drive-through, been a bartender and an assistant, and worked in criminal justice, but through it all she’s been a writer. She lives in Calgary with her husband, daughter, and dog.Topics Discussed:[1:45] Hyperbole and a Half, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh https://amzn.to/3wyRTE2[3:36] Sadie by Courtney Summers[5:39] Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes[7:00} A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini[10:08] Anxious People by Fredrik BackmanWhat's New at LitJoy?The Ocean at the End of the Lane Illustrated Special EditionKingdom of the Wicked CollectionFablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star LitJoy EditionFollow LitJoy!We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories!Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-emailJoin our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateCheck out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!Find all episode show notes on The LitJoy Podcast homepage!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix share all the hot new beach reads releasing this spring and summer to add to your TBR! Prepare for a summer filled with romance, humor, and a bit of fantasy, too.Topics Discussed:[3:18] Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey[5:13] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez[7:09] The Rule Book by Sarah Adams[9:14] Funny Story by Emily Henry[13:09] The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren[18:07] Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth[22:08] The Wren in the Holly Library by KA Linde[25:34] Daydream by Hannah Grace[28:38] Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood[31:55] The Wedding People by Alison EspachOther Books MentionedThe Cheat Sheet by Sarah AdamsThe Unhoneymooners by Christina LaurenThe Atlas Six by Olivie BlakeI Am Legend by Richard MathesonThe Maple Hills series by Hannah GraceBride by Ali HazelwoodThe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann BrasharesWhat's New at LitJoy?The Ocean at the End of the Lane Illustrated Special EditionKingdom of the Wicked CollectionFablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star LitJoy EditionFollow LitJoy!Make sure to RATE & REVIEWJoin our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateUse the code PODCAST10 for a 10% discount!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix take us on a romp through absurd, witty, nonsensical, and funny books that will add a delightful touch of comedic relief to your life.Topics Discussed:[2:45] Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams[8:25] Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett[14:52] Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare[18:48] Bossypants by Tina Fey[26:38] The Princess Bride by William Goldman[33:02] My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows[38:40] Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir[43:27] Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery[47:42] Flavia de Luce Series by Alan Bradley[52:23] A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi LeeOther Resources MentionedSword Catcher by Cassandra ClareThe Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare@henderson_nikThe Lady Janies Series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi MeadowsThe Martian by Andy WeirThe Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenHarriet the Spy by Louise FitzhughThe Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi LeeWhat's New at LitJoy?The Dark Artifices Jesse Blackthorn Replica LocketThe Ocean at the End of the Lane Collector's Illustrated Edition by Neil GaimanFollow LitJoy!InstagramTikTokJoin our Lunacorns private membership groupUse the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix delve deeper into the Sarah J. Maas phenomenon and share books like ACOTAR to help remedy your bookish hangover! Check out all the LitJoy Special Edition BooksTopics Discussed:[2:11] Books to Read if You Have a "Maas-ive" Book Hangover[7:10] Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout[17:21] Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas[26:25] The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent[30:29] Stacey McEwan Creates Fantasy in Real-Life TikToks[32:32] Ledge by Stacey McEwan[36:28] Kingdom of the Wicked Series by Kerri Maniscalco[43:22] Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca YarrosOther Books MentionedThrone of Glass Series by Sarah J. MaasA Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. MaasObsidian by Jennifer L. ArmentroutLord of the Rings by J.R.R.The Witcher Series by Andrzej SapkowskiTwilight by Stephenie MeyerThe Cruel Prince by Holly BlackIvory and Bone by Julie EshbaughNeon Gods by Katee RobertWhat's New at LitJoy?ACOTAR Bat Boy EarringsKingdom of the Wicked CollectionFollow LitJoy!Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateCheck out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% discount!

Episode SummaryIn this "Fun Friday Book Recommendations", Alix and Kelly discuss various non-fiction books. From aliens to, "Alright, alright, alright," this TBR list is sure to make an impact on your reading.Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacorns[3:05] UFO of God: the Extraordinary True Story of Chris Bledsoe by Chris Bledsoe[6:39] Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey[7:43] The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda French[10:52] Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb[12:35] Becoming by Michelle ObamaResources MentionedEncounters by Steven Spielberg (Netflix Series)Invisible Women by Caroline Criado PerezEmily Nagoski (author)We deeply appreciate your support in creating a community around stories! Make sure to RATE & REVIEW us!Subscribe to our email list at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-email Follow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateUse the code PODCAST10 at litjoycrate.com/podcast for a 10% off discount!

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kelly and Alix delve into the Sarah J. Maas phenomenon and share books they recommend reading if you loved Throne of Glass. Check out the LitJoy + Sarah J Maas Collection at litjoycrate.com/collections/sarah-j-maasTopics Discussed:[0:57] Sarah J Maas is Taking Over the World[16:24] Books to read if you loved Throne of Glass[18:53] An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir[22:40] Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black[28:40] Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer[33:56] Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo[41:33] The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay KristoffCorrection: According to Publisher's Weekly, sales of romance titles grew 52.4% from 2021 to 2022.Other Resources MentionedHolly Black LitJoy CollectionLitJoy Heartless Special EditionLitJoy Podcast Interview with Marissa MeyerThrone of Glass series by Sarah J MaasACOTAR series by Sarah J MaasCrescent City series by Sarah J MaasEmpyrean series by Rebecca YarrosKing of Scars duology by Leigh BardugoThe Hunger Games series by Suzanne CollinsKing's English BookshopLitJoy March Madness BracketCassandra ClareFollow LitJoy!Make sure to RATE & REVIEW The LitJoy Podcast wherever you listen.Join our Lunacorns private membership group at https://litjoycrate.com/podcast-lunacornsFollow us on Instagram @litjoycrateFollow us on TikTok @litjoycrateCheck out LitJoy's officially licensed author collections!Use the code PODCAST10 for a 10% off discount!