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This YA Debut Reads Like Her 10th Book | Jasmine Smith
Debut author Jasmine Smith joins us to talk Death Card, her witchy YA set in New Orleans, and the wild road that got it here. We get into how she sold the book on just ten chapters, why it reads like her tenth novel instead of her first, and how tarot, gentrification, and a grandmother's love all got woven into one story. Plus gold foil, sprayed edges, and why this one might just land on a banned books list.
The Extra Shot: Just Be a Good Hang
Talent is a dime a dozen, so what actually sets you apart? Being a good hang. In this bonus episode it's just Cait and Jenna, no guest, inside thoughts fully becoming outside thoughts. We get into why being someone people want in the room beats raw talent, why we bump a book to the top of our TBR the second we love the author, and the trad vs indie question we've both stopped stressing about. Be kind, be easy to work with, and people will want to read your shit.
She Wrote a Rom-Com That Starts Where Romance Books End
Debut author Lavanya Lakshmi joins us to talk Leave and Come Back, her Bollywood-loving rom-com about an Indian wedding, family you've been avoiding, and a boyfriend who crashes the party. Plus her wild path from Twilight fanfiction to Penguin Random House.
In the Lime Light with Rebecca Gould Baeurle
This bonus episode's Lime Light shines on Rebecca Gould Baeurle, author of The Secrets Trilogy — a love story with a criminal twist, following two sisters through betrayal and danger in Philadelphia. We talk about writing a full debut in two months, almost not publishing at all, and the real sisterhood behind her fiction.
She Wrote a Sexy Retirement-Home Romance. And Nailed It | Julie Murphy
Dumplin author Julie Murphy joins us to talk Vera Stein Is Fine, her first adult romance about a Palm Springs retirement home full of scandal and second chances. We cover the decade-long road to publishing it, the real story behind the Dumplin movie, and stories about Jennifer Aniston and Dolly Parton.
She Scrapped a Finished Manuscript to Write Yes, Chef | Grace Reilly
Romance author Grace Reilly joins Margs & Manuscripts on release day for Yes Chef to talk about the 80,000-word manuscript she scrapped, the Kitchen Confidential and The Bear research behind Fable's kitchen, and separating art from content as an author online.
Season 2 Starts Now: Bigger Guests, Bigger Plans & Jenna's Book Update
Season 2 begins with publishing updates, Jenna's debut novel progress, new ways to spotlight indie authors, and everything coming next for Margs & Manuscripts.