This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with breakout fantasy author Sasha E. Sloan to celebrate her debut novel, The Ruins Beneath Us. Sasha reflects on her unconventional path to publication—from musical theater and pageantry to building a massive online audience and ultimately landing a publishing deal with Disney. She shares how years of rejection, experimentation, and relentless creativity shaped her journey, and why she believes success is built, piece by piece, with intention and persistence. 

We dive into the enchanting and dangerous world of The Ruins Beneath Us, a YA fantasy that blends the wonder of classic fairytale worlds with high-stakes tension and emotional depth. Sasha unpacks her vision for the story: a “wonderstruck” fantasy experience inspired by the sweeping magic of 90s classics, where castles loom, forests whisper, and nothing is quite as simple as it seems.

At the heart of the story is Lyria—a heroine who challenges the genre itself. Soft, compassionate, and deeply feminine, yet fierce, powerful, and unafraid to fight for what matters. Sasha explores her intentional choice to write a character who embodies both strength and softness, pushing back against the idea that female power must look one specific way.

Along the way, we explore Sasha’s philosophy of storytelling: that perfection is the enemy of progress, that creativity requires vulnerability, and that sometimes the most powerful stories come from embracing imperfection and trusting your voice.

🩸 What if the most dangerous thing about you is the power you were told to hide?
✨ Can softness and strength exist in the same character?
🔥 And what happens when a forbidden world begins to feel like home?

This is a must-listen for fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes magic should feel as emotional as it is immersive.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

✨ Sasha’s journey from musical theater and pageantry to published Disney author.
✨ Building a massive audience before publishing and why it mattered.
✨ The unconventional path to landing a Disney publishing deal.
✨ Writing multiple “failed” books before The Ruins Beneath Us.
✨ The inspiration behind the world of The Ruins Beneath Us.
✨ Challenging stereotypes of female strength in fantasy.
✨ Crafting romance and intimacy for a YA audience with intention.
✨ The balance between vulnerability, ambition, and storytelling.
✨ What’s next in the Ruins series and beyond. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Sasha E. Sloan – IG: @sashaesloan and TikTok: @Sashaesloan

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with fantasy and romance author Jayci Lee to dive into her Realm of Four Kingdoms series, beginning with Nine-Tailed and culminating in the explosive finale, Lightburn. 

Jayci reflects on her unconventional journey from practicing attorney for 15 years to becoming a full-time author, sharing how burnout ultimately pushed her to pursue the dream she’d held since she was fourteen. She opens up about writing her first book in just two months, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the reality that sometimes the only way to make space for your dreams is to fight for them. 

We dive into the heart of The Realm of Four Kingdoms, a sweeping romantasy rooted in Korean folklore. At its center is a nine-tailed fox spirit, traditionally cast as a villain, reimagined as a powerful, complex heroine. Jayci unpacks her decision to reclaim this narrative, exploring how mythology, culture, and identity shape both the story and the character at its core.

🩸 What happens when the villain becomes the hero of her own story?
🔥 How do you step into your power when the world fears it?
⚔️ And what does it mean to choose love, identity, and purpose in a world that demands sacrifice?

This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, mythology enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to stories filled with power, emotion, and unapologetic heroines.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

✨ Jayci’s journey from attorney to full-time author.
✨ Balancing motherhood, career, and creative passion.
✨ Fighting imposter syndrome and learning to ignore the inner critic.
✨ Why finishing the book is the most important step for any writer.
✨ The inspiration behind The Realm of Four Kingdoms series.
✨ Reclaiming the nine-tailed fox myth from villain to heroine.
✨ Blending Korean folklore with modern American settings.
✨ Building a dual-world system with gods, mortals, and hidden realms.
✨ Writing a romantasy with equal weight on plot and romance.
✨ Crafting a love triangle with very different dynamics.
✨ Writing emotionally intense, high-stakes finales (Lightburn 👀). 
✨ Why readers can expect heartbreak—but ultimately, hope. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Jayci Lee – @authorjaycilee and https://www.jaycilee.com/

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by Mythic Mic rep Amara for a special resource episode featuring Katelyn Ilkani, the founder of Calli—an innovative platform transforming how authors and influencers connect in the world of book marketing. 

Katelyn shares how a lifelong love of romance books and a background in tech and marketing led her to build Calli. Calli is a platform designed to solve a problem many readers and authors didn’t even realize they were struggling with: discovery. From the frustration of seeing the same books recommended over and over to recognizing the untapped potential of Bookstagram and BookTok, Calli was born out of a desire to connect the right books with the right audiences in a more meaningful way. 

We dive into the evolving landscape of book marketing and why influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the backbone of how books find readers. Katelyn breaks down the concept of “trust transfer,” where influencers lend their credibility to the books they recommend, and explains why this kind of authentic, word-of-mouth marketing outperforms traditional ads.

Along the way, we explore what authors are getting wrong about marketing (hint: it’s not just about launch week), how influencers are shaping reader behavior, and why the future of book marketing is rooted in relationships, data, and community-driven discovery.

🩸 Why are so many great books still getting lost in the algorithm?
📚 What makes readers actually trust a recommendation enough to buy?
🔥 And how can authors build momentum that lasts beyond a single launch?

This is a must-listen for authors, influencers, and anyone curious about how books actually succeed in today’s digital landscape.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

✨ The origin story behind Calli and the problem it set out to solve. 
✨ How influencer marketing works and why it’s so powerful. 
✨ The concept of “trust transfer” and why it beats traditional ads. 
✨ What authors are getting wrong about marketing (and how to fix it). 
✨ Why marketing should be an ongoing strategy, not just a launch event. 
✨ The broken state of data in book marketing and what that means for authors. 
✨ How Calli creates a safe, structured ecosystem for author–influencer collaborations. 
✨ What deliverables authors can expect from influencer partnerships. 
✨ How influencers and authors build long-term relationships through campaigns. 
✨ The rise of street teams and how Calli is reinventing them (new features coming soon!). 
✨ Upcoming features like “Stacks” and curated reader discovery tools. 
✨ Where book marketing is headed in the next few years. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Calli – @Meet.Calli and https://meetcalli.com/

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling author Sasha Peyton Smith, the mind behind The Rose Bargain and its highly anticipated sequel The Thorn Queen. Sasha reflects on her unexpected path to authorship—from studying science and public health to discovering storytelling in her early twenties—and what it took to finally give herself permission to pursue writing. She shares how stubbornness, vulnerability, and a willingness to start before feeling “ready” ultimately shaped her career.

We also dive into the lush, dangerous world of The Rose Bargain, a story built on glittering deals, layered ambition, and the irresistible pull of power. Sasha unpacks the heart of the series and how writing for joy, rather than the market, transformed her storytelling.

🩸 What are you willing to trade to get everything you’ve ever wanted?
🌹 When ambition and desire collide, who do you become?
⚔️ And what happens when the most dangerous deals are the ones you choose?

This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes magic should be as indulgent as it is dangerous.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

✨ Sasha’s journey from science and public health to becoming a bestselling fantasy author.
✨ Why it took time to give herself permission to pursue writing.
✨ The role of stubbornness in finishing a first book.
✨ Navigating rejection and being dropped by a publisher.
✨ How Sasha created The Rose Bargain, including the first spark. 
✨ Writing for joy instead of chasing market trends.
✨ Why readers can expect from The Thorn Queen. 
✨ The evolution from debut author to building a larger fantasy universe. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Sasha Peyton Smith – @SashaPeytonSmith

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with powerhouse fantasy author Rachel Vincent to dive into her newest release, The Alchemary. With over two decades in publishing, Rachel brings sharp insight, honesty, and a no-nonsense perspective on writing, craft, and the realities of building a long-term career in the industry. 

Rachel reflects on a lifetime of storytelling, from writing her first story at five years old to becoming both a bestselling author and a professor of writing. She shares what it really means to pursue writing as a career and the constant evolution required to stay in the game.

We also dive into the high-stakes world of The Alchemary, where a young woman named Amber wakes up with no memory and is immediately thrown into deadly final exams at an elite alchemy academy. Rachel unpacks the terrifying brilliance of a system where knowledge is power, failure has consequences, and magic isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you have to earn.

🩸 What happens when your past holds the key to your survival—but you can’t remember it?
⚗️ How do you prove your worth in a world where failure could kill you?
🔥 And what does it take to keep going when the industry keeps changing beneath your feet?

This is a must-listen for fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who wants an unfiltered look at both the magic and the reality of publishing.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

✨ What it really means to build a long-term career in publishing.
✨ Why writing is both an art and a business, and how to navigate both.
✨ Common mistakes new writers make (and how to avoid them).
✨ The constantly evolving nature of the publishing industry.
✨ The inspiration behind The Alchemary and its high-stakes premise. 
✨ Building a magic system rooted in science, discipline, and structure. 
✨ Creating deadly trials that test both knowledge and survival. 
✨ Writing tension through stakes, mystery, and character uncertainty. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Rachel Vincent – @rachelkvincent

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with beloved cozy fantasy author Sarah Beth Durst, the brilliant mind behind The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse. Sarah is joyful, insightful, and deeply passionate about storytelling, and we dive into the quiet power of cozy fantasy.

Sarah reflects on a lifelong love of books that quite literally shaped her identity, sharing how she went from a child hauling stacks of library books home to a writer who sees storytelling as essential as food, water, and shelter. She opens up about writing from joy rather than pressure, the importance of stubbornness over talent, and why the act of writing itself is the most magical part of all. 

We also dive into the heart of The Spellshop, a cozy fantasy built on comfort, community, and a sentient spider plant who has stolen readers’ hearts. Sarah shares how the story began not with plot, but with a feeling — a desire to create a book that feels like a hug — and how that intention shaped every element of the world, from its gentle pacing to its sensory-rich details.

Along the way, we explore Sarah’s philosophy of storytelling: that books should heal, that joy is a powerful creative force, and that cozy fantasy is not about lowering stakes, but about shifting them inward. Instead of saving the world, her stories focus on saving hearts, and in doing so, they offer readers something just as powerful.

🩸 What if the most important story isn’t about saving the world, but saving yourself?
🌿 Can a quiet, gentle story still carry emotional weight?
☕ And what does it mean to create a world where readers can finally rest?

This is a must-listen for cozy fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes stories should comfort as much as they captivate.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

✨ Why writing is driven by joy, not just discipline or talent.
✨ The role of stubbornness and consistency in building a writing career.
✨ How cozy fantasy emerged during a time when readers needed comfort most.
✨ The inspiration behind The Spellshop and writing stories that feel like a hug.
✨ Creating Kaz, the iconic sentient spider plant readers adore.
✨ The difference between cozy fantasy and epic fantasy pacing.
✨ The importance of sensory details in creating immersive, comforting worlds.
✨ Worldbuilding through “vibes” while still maintaining structure and rules.
✨ Expanding the Spellshop world with The Enchanted Greenhouse.

CONNECT WITH US:

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Sarah Beth Durst – @sarahbethdurst

✨ If this episode felt like a warm hug, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Bethany Amanda and bookish influencer @IsidoraReads sit down with Sunday Times bestselling author Hazel McBride to celebrate her explosive debut, A Fate Forged in Fire. Hazel is bold, unfiltered, and fiercely intentional in her storytelling, and this conversation moves between confidence, worldbuilding, and the unapologetic power of female rage.

Hazel reflects on her unconventional journey from working as a zookeeper and vet assistant to becoming a traditionally published fantasy author discovered through TikTok. She shares how writing was always a passion rather than a plan, what it took to step into traditional publishing, and why confidence was the foundation of her success. 

We also dive into the blazing heart of A Fate Forged in Fire, a matriarchal fantasy filled with dragons, political upheaval, and a heroine who embodies everything women are told not to be. Hazel unpacks the story of Aemyra, a hidden heir raised to reclaim her throne, whose carefully laid plans unravel when she collides with a rival dragon rider and a world far more complicated than she expected.

🩸 What happens when power is your birthright but the world refuses to hand it over?
🔥 Can rage be both destructive and liberating?
⚔️ And what does a world ruled by women actually look like?

This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, dragon enthusiasts, and anyone craving stories that burn as fiercely as they inspire.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Growing up in Scotland and writing stories inspired by worlds like Narnia.
✨ Transitioning from animal care to full-time author life. 
✨ Being discovered by an agent through TikTok and landing a book deal. 
✨ Why confidence, not credentials, made Hazel believe she could succeed. 
✨ The realities of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. 
✨ Building a matriarchal fantasy world inspired by real animal hierarchies. 
✨ Exploring themes of female rage, body autonomy, and systemic oppression. 
✨ Writing morally complex, unapologetic female protagonists. 

And more! 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Isidora – @IsidoraReads
📚 Hazel McBride – @hazelmcbrideauthor

✨ If this episode left you ready to burn kingdoms and claim your crown, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with romantasy sensation Sophia St. Germain, the author behind the viral Compelling Fates saga beginning with A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly. Sophia is warm, candid, and refreshingly honest about the realities of modern publishing, and this conversation moves between craft, career, community, and the emotional heart of storytelling with the depth Mythic Mic listeners live for.

Sophia reflects on her journey from a childhood filled with fairy tales and imaginative diary entries in Sweden to building a thriving indie career and transitioning into hybrid publishing after her series exploded in popularity online. She shares what it was like to go from just a handful of preorders to thousands, to take a book viral through a single powerful scene, and to receive a life-changing traditional publishing offer while in the hospital about to give birth.

We dive into the world of Compelling Fates, a sweeping romantasy following a half-fae spy bound by blood oath and forced into deadly political trials. Sophia unpacks the emotional core of our main character's journey — the struggle to belong, to claim your voice, and to stand for something larger than yourself in a world that isn’t built to protect you. We also explore the layered dynamics between the characters, and the delicate balance between loyalty, identity, and power.

🩸 What does it mean to be bound by blood and still choose your own destiny?
🕯️ How do you find your voice in a world that tells you to stay silent?
⚔️ And what does it take to rise into power when you were never meant to have it?

This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, indie authors, and anyone chasing a creative dream while navigating the realities of building a career.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Growing up in Sweden surrounded by stories and starting to write as a child.
✨ Balancing motherhood, writing, and the demands of social media. 
✨ The steep learning curve of indie publishing and finding your brand. 
✨ The viral moment that launched Compelling Fates into thousands of readers. 
✨ Transitioning from indie to hybrid publishing with Kensington. 
✨ Building a multi-series shared fantasy universe with crossover characters. 
✨ The core themes of Compelling Fates: belonging, identity, and self-acceptance. 
✨ Treating writing as both an art and a business. 
✨ Staying authentic online and finding joy in the creative process. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Sophia St. Germain – @sophiastgermain_author

✨ If this episode left you spellbound, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling, genre-defying author Ava Reid to celebrate the release of her most ambitious novel yet, Innamorata. Ava is as candid, razor-sharp, and intellectually electric as her books, and this conversation moves between craft, career, controversy, and the philosophy of art with the kind of depth Mythic Mic listeners live for.

Ava reflects on her evolution from a fanfiction writer on the early internet to a seasoned author who has weathered public backlash, editorial upheaval, and the emotional whiplash of publishing during COVID. She speaks about what it’s like to survive a deeply contentious book, rebuild her career on her own terms, and develop the “terrier-like” determination that keeps her going.

We dive into the beating heart of Innamorata, a gothic, grimdark fantasy set on a conquered island where necromantic traditions have been buried but not forgotten. Ava unpacks the fraught, toxic, and mesmerizing relationship between cousins Agnes and Marozia, the Renaissance revenge epic that inspired the book, and the psychological complexity of selective mutism as both trauma response and source of power.

Along the way, we explore Ava’s larger philosophy of storytelling: that art’s only obligation is to make people feel strongly and think interestingly. She challenges the trope-driven, trend-chasing pace of modern publishing, lamenting compressed editing timelines and “amusement park ride” books that vanish from the mind the moment you close them.

🩸 What does freedom really mean when your past refuses to release you?
🕯️ Can silence be both weapon and refuge?
⚔️ And what happens when a gothic story centers two women instead of isolating one?

This is a must-listen for dark fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes books should linger long after the last page.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Growing up writing fanfiction on the early internet.
✨ How Ava’s writing routine shifts between drafting, editing, and “admin life”.
✨ Debuting during COVID, and what that meant for her confidence, jadedness, and learning to survive edit letters.
✨ The fallout of Juniper & Thorn and how it reshaped her career.
✨ Dropping an agent, pivoting to YA, and reclaiming creative agency.
✨ Why comparison and jealousy will “rot your soul” in publishing.
✨ Reading widely as the foundation for building a distinct authorial voice.
✨ Ava’s central thematic question across her work: What is freedom?
✨ The origins of Innamorata: Renaissance revenge epics, matriarchal houses, and selective mutism.
✨ Why Innamorata is Ava’s most ambitious and best book to date. 
✨ Why fantasy can — and should — be studied like “the classics”. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Ava Reid – @avasreid

✨ If this episode left you in awe, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with indie fantasy author Isabella Stofka to dive into her chilling, atmospheric romantasy The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death. Equal parts frosted fairytale and Greek myth–infused epic, this is the kind of winter story that creeps under your skin, makes you question who the “real” monsters are, and lingers long after the last page.

Isabella opens up about her winding path to writing, from moving across the world to Okinawa to falling in love with fantasy through The Lunar Chronicles, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Time. She speaks candidly about being a “disorganized perfectionist,” battling burnout, and building a healthier writing routine after an intense year of back-to-back releases.

We explore the heart of The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death, a story told by three main characters: Wynter, a feared immortal born from a frozen river; Kieran, a mortal rebel whose hatred turns into something far more complicated; and Niav, an exiled assassin whose loyalty and vengeance simmer just beneath the surface. Isabella unpacks how Greek mythology, personal experience, and the haunting sensation of an ice bath shaped Wynter’s origin, and why being called “the Ice Queen” became the spark for an entire series.

🧊 What makes someone a monster: their actions, or how others see them?
💀 Can fear turn someone into exactly what others believe them to be?
🗡️ And what happens when enemies begin to see each other clearly?

This is a must-listen for lovers of winter romantasy, Greek myth–tinged fantasy, and anyone curious about the realities of indie publishing.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Books and television series that shaped Isabella as a fantasy reader and writer.
✨ Being a “disorganized perfectionist” and finding a sustainable writing routine.
✨ Publishing two books in one year and recovering from burnout.
✨ The realities of indie publishing: street teams, marketing, and decision fatigue.
✨ Why Isabella chose indie over traditional publishing, and why she doesn’t regret it.
✨ The basis forThe Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death and what inspired this story. 
✨ Perception vs. reality and how it shapes heroes, villains, and everyone in between. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US
🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📦 Isabella Stofka – @Isabellastofka_author

✨ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors discover The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Bethany Amanda sits down with debut author Venetia Constantine to discuss her breathtaking epic fantasy The Last Starborn Seer. Lush, expansive, and deeply emotional, this conversation pulls back the veil on a story that feels at once mythic, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.

Venetia takes us through her long, winding path to publication — from growing up in London, falling in love with fantasy as a child, and studying art history, to returning to storytelling later in life as a mother of three. She speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, the persistence required to bring a debut into the world, and the humbling reality of how many people work behind the scenes to bring a book to life.

We also dive into the deeply personal origins of The Last Starborn Seer — a world that has lived in Venetia’s imagination since childhood, and a story that ultimately crystallized during one of the darkest moments of her life. Venetia shares how trauma shaped her creative process, how fantasy became a refuge, and how themes of healing, self-acceptance, and environmental collapse came to define her epic tale.

And of course, we sink into the dazzling world of Arcelia: a dying realm of  feuding kingdoms, cursed elemental magic, and a heroine burdened with dangerous prophetic power. We explore Leilani Stellarion — shunned princess, reluctant seer, and deeply human heart of the story — alongside Astrophel, her rival and reluctant betrothed, whose perspective reshaped the entire book.

🌌 What does it mean to bear the future when it is slowly destroying you?
✨ Can a broken world be saved without breaking the people who love it?
⚔️ And how do you reconcile wonder and beauty with a society built on darkness?

This episode is a must-listen for lovers of immersive, Tolkien-esque epic fantasy, readers who crave lyrical prose and emotional stakes, and aspiring authors dreaming of bringing their own lifelong worlds to the page.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Writing while raising three children and how to carve out time in your busy schedule.
✨ Imposter syndrome and why it never truly goes away, even after publication.
✨ Why community and support are essential for writers.
✨ The beauty and terror of readers finally meeting your book.
✨ Practical querying advice, including agent one-on-ones and Manuscript Academy.
✨ The origins of Arcelia — a world that has lived in Venetia's mind since childhood
✨ How a traumatic real-world event catalyzed the writing of this book.
✨ Fantasy as refuge, healing, and meaning-making.
✨ Leilani’s arc from sheltered, self-loathing princess to a heroine forced to confront truth.
✨ Why adding Astrophel’s POV transformed the novel.
✨ Balancing whimsy and darkness in a dying world.
✨ What The Last Starborn Seer represents to Venetia personally. 
✨ Hints about Book Two and the true origins of “The Sickening”. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Venetia Constantine – @venetiaconstantine

✨ If this episode left you in awe, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with indie fantasy author, mentor, and writing-community pillar Kara M. Zone, author of Ashes Fall at Dawn. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring with equal parts craft talk, career truth, and mental health advocacy.

Kara takes us through her long, nonlinear journey to authorship from writing dark stories as a child (yes, including a second-grade tale about Bambi’s death) to years of self-doubt, trauma, and survival, to finally waking up in her late twenties with characters who would not leave her alone until she wrote them down. She speaks candidly about neurodivergence, therapy, and how mental health has shaped not only her life but the DNA of her stories.

We dive into the gritty realities of the indie path: ghostwriting under exploitative conditions, learning the hard way about marketing, losing money with a hybrid publisher, and ultimately choosing to take full creative control over her career. Kara is honest about what worked, what didn’t, and why resilience — not perfection — is what actually builds a sustainable writing life.

We also sink into the world of Ashes Fall at Dawn and the larger series she’s building: a prophecy-driven, found-family epic full of magical bonds, morally complex villains, hedge mazes, hidden libraries, explosive power, and characters who refuse to be easy or tidy.

🖤 What happens when darkness becomes the very thing that teaches you how to survive?
🔥 How do you build confidence after years of being told you weren’t enough?
✨ And what does it really mean to choose the indie path on your own terms?

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors, indie writers, and readers who love messy, powerful, deeply human fantasy.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Kara’s early writing roots — from dark childhood stories to years of creative silence and how growing up in a traumatic environment shaped her art.
✨ CPTSD, neurodivergence, and why mental health representation is central to her work.
✨ Why she ultimately chose indie publishing, including a focus on control, timing, and creative ownership.
✨ Why traditional publishing isn’t the “golden ticket” many people think it is.
✨ How Kara built visibility through Instagram and indie community.
✨ The origin of Ashes Fall at Dawn and how it originally started as “book two”.
✨ The long revision process for Cinders Burn at Midnight before it became book one. 
✨ Book Two’s intense, high-stakes weekend structure — gaslighting, stealth, and escape. 
✨ Kara’s vision for the series: four interconnected trilogies about hope and growth
✨ Why “failure” doesn’t exist — only pivots and persistence. 
✨ Advice for aspiring authors, including start now, keep going, and call yourself a writer. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Kara M. Zone – @karamzone_writes

✨ If this episode left you in awe, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling author, YouTuber, and writing expert Jenna Moreci to break down one of the most requested topics we’ve ever had on the show: how to actually write a romantasy.

Jenna joins us to celebrate her craft guide How to Write Romantasy, a powerhouse resource designed to help writers structure compelling love stories in fantastical worlds—from characters and plot to spice, pacing, and emotional payoff. In this episode, Jenna shares her journey from writing romantasy long before the genre even had a name to becoming one of its leading voices. She talks about the moment a major publisher reached out to her to write this book (which she almost deleted as spam), her lifelong love of fantasy romance, and why romantasy has always been what readers wanted, even before the industry caught up.

We dive deep into the rules of romantasy, what separates fantasy romance from romantic fantasy, and why so many writers accidentally write a fantasy with a romantic subplot instead of a true romantasy. Jenna walks us through her step-by-step structure for romantasy storytelling, including meet-cutes, inciting incidents, dark nights of the soul, and the concept that changed our brains: the intimacy destination. Along the way, we get candid about over-saturation fears, the pressure to include spice, the truth about trope trends, and how to build a world that supports your romance instead of overshadowing it. 

✨ What makes a romantasy story actually work?
💔 How do you keep romantic tension alive across an entire series?
🔥 And how do you write spice that’s intentional, varied, and emotionally meaningful?

Whether you’re drafting your first romantasy, revising your current manuscript, or just want to understand why your favorite books hit so hard, this episode is a masterclass in both craft and confidence.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Jenna’s journey from lifelong romantasy fan to bestselling author and craft expert.  
✨ What romantasy actually is and why it has exploded in popularity. 
✨ Why the genre is not “oversaturated” and why there’s room for every author’s voice. 
✨ The core rules of romantasy. 
✨ How to tell if your book is romantasy or just a fantasy with a romantic subplot
✨ The essential romantasy story structure, from meet-cute to climax to resolution.
✨ The concept of an intimacy destination and how it keeps readers hooked across a series. 
✨ How to build a fantasy world that supports your romance without falling into worldbuilder’s disease. 
✨ Tropes Jenna loves (forbidden love!) and ones she hopes evolve (enemies-to-lovers done right). 
✨ How to approach spice, from clean to smut, and why you should only write what fits you and your audience. 
✨ What makes a spice scene memorable vs repetitive (yes, we went there). 
✨ Why variety, emotional purpose, and character growth matter more than explicitness. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US
🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Jenna Moreci – @JennaMoreci

✨ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors discover The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Bethany Amanda sits down with rising romantasy author Jaclyn Rodriguez to celebrate her breakout debut, A Vow in Vengeance, which delivers deadly bargains, tarot magic, forced proximity, and one of the most addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamics we’ve read this year. 

Jaclyn brings the perfect blend of warmth, humor, and honesty to this conversation as she shares her journey from relentless querying and 100+ rejections to landing her debut in a whirlwind auction. She opens up about the delusion, determination, and deep love of story that carried her through the hardest parts of publishing, and why perseverance is the single most important trait an author can have.

We dive deep into the world of A Vow in Vengeance: a brutal selection process that sends mortals into an immortal realm, a heroine fueled by grief and fury, and a prince who is just as dangerous as he is compelling. Jaclyn unpacks the tarot-based magic system, the layered power hierarchies, and the central thematic tension between vengeance and justice that defines Rune’s emotional arc.

Along the way, we explore the kind of main character we don’t see enough of—a furious, unyielding FMC who is willing to burn everything down to get what she deserves—and the MMC who meets her fire with strategy, sarcasm, and just enough vulnerability to make it hurt.

🔥 What does it mean to want vengeance instead of justice?
🗡️ How do power, trauma, and rage shape the choices we make?
🃏 And what happens when two people bound by necessity become each other’s greatest weapon—and greatest risk?

This is a must-listen for romantasy readers, aspiring authors navigating the querying trenches, and anyone who loves morally complex characters, magical systems with bite, and stories that refuse to play it safe.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Jaclyn’s path to publication, including writing 10 books and facing 100+ rejections before her debut. 
✨ How perseverance, “delusion,” and support systems helped her push through imposter syndrome.
✨ he premise of A Vow in Vengeance: a deadly selection, an immortal realm, and a heroine who will burn the world down for her family. 
✨ The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Rue and Prince Draven—and why forced proximity makes it even more explosive. 
✨ The tarot-based magic system, power hierarchies, and symbolism behind “The World” card. 
✨ The thematic core of vengeance vs. justice and how Rune’s perspective evolves across the story. 
✨ Writing an unapologetically angry female main character—and why spite queens are unforgettable. 
✨ How Draven unexpectedly took over the book and reshaped the story during drafting.
✨ Why Jaclyn wants her books to be readers’ comfort worlds—even when they’re dark, violent, and emotionally intense. 
✨ What we can expect from Book 2, including higher stakes, bigger twists, and a completed duology arc. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Jaclyn Rodriguez – @JaclynRodriguezAuthor

✨ If this episode inspired you, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with artist-turned-author Riley S. Quinn to talk about her stunning self-published romantasy Gold & Gossamer. This is a conversation about visual storytelling, creative obsession, and what happens when a single animation accidentally blooms into an entire epic fantasy world.

Riley pulls back the curtain on how her background in film, animation, and storyboarding shaped her prose, her pacing, and the cinematic feel of her writing. We explore the beautiful, porous boundary between art and story, including how some scenes had to be drawn before they could be written, and how switching between mediums kept her creative energy alive over two years of drafting.

We dive into the heart of Gold & Gossamer: a mage king trying desperately to appear infallible, a terrifyingly powerful fairy queen who refuses to conform, and a star-crossed dynamic built on yearning, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Riley unpacks the symbolism behind her title — why gold and gossamer perfectly mirror her leads — and how the book is as much about self-love as it is about romance.

We also get refreshingly honest about self-publishing: why Riley chose it, how she designs her own covers, why affordability matters to her, and what it’s really like building a story in public with a deeply engaged community watching every step.

🌿 What happens when a fairy queen and a human king are forced into an impossible alliance?
✨ How can art literally shape a story into existence?
💛 And what does it mean to be loved most deeply when you are your truest self?

This episode is a must-listen for romantasy readers, aspiring authors, artists who dream in story, and anyone obsessed with beautiful worlds born from pure imagination.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How art came first for Riley and how her story followed.
✨ The accidental birth of Gold & Gossamer from two TikTok animations.
✨ Why Riley loves self-publishing, including creative control, pricing, and design.
✨ The symbolism of gold (strong, but secretly soft) and gossamer (delicate, but unbreakable) and how that fits into her book. 
✨ Why the book is ultimately about self-love more than romance. 
✨ Why endings should be hopeful, not cruel. 
✨ Building a story alongside her online community. 
✨ Marketing by worldbuilding, not sales tactics. 
✨ Plans for a sequel and possibly special editions and art prints. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Riley S. Quinn – @RileyQuinnArt

✨ If you were inspired by this episode, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Bethany Amanda sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Griffin to talk about her deeply moving novel, The Sun and the Starmaker. Equal parts luminous and devastating, this conversation weaves together craft, personal resilience, and the kind of love that lingers long after the last page.

Rachel takes us from her winding path into writing — from a career in diagnostic ultrasound to rediscovering her voice late at night on an old laptop — to the realities of querying, submission, rejection, and eventual success with The Nature of Witches. She offers honest insight into what persistence really looks like, why “no” is rarely forever, and how working on the next book saved her during long seasons of uncertainty.

We also dive into one of the most powerful parts of Rachel’s story: surviving a traumatic brain injury, navigating an often-dismissive medical system, and ultimately finding life-changing treatment. Rachel shares how her recovery reshaped her relationship with storytelling, how The Sun and the Starmaker quite literally helped her relearn how to write, and why she’s now a passionate advocate for concussion research — including donating $1 from every preorder to the Concussion Research Laboratory.

And of course, we sink into the icy, whimsical world of The Sun and the Starmaker: a land beyond the reach of sunlight, a weary immortal sorcerer who pulls the sun across the sky, and a love story that asks whether loving someone is worth the inevitable heartbreak.

🌙 What does it mean to love fully when you know loss is inevitable?
❄️ How can winter be both cruel and strangely tender?
✨ And what happens when a book becomes not just a story but a lifeline?

This episode is a must-listen for readers who love wintry fairy tales, aspiring authors chasing their own publishing dreams, and anyone who believes stories can heal.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨Rachel’s journey from healthcare to writing and why she returned to storytelling.
✨ Querying for over a year and why slow success can still be the right success.
✨ Why your first book doesn’t have to be “the one”.
✨ Surviving a traumatic brain injury and Rachel's advocacy for concussion awareness and better treatment.
✨ How The Sun and the Starmaker became part of Rachel's recovery. 
✨ Aurora, the stubborn mortal beyond the sunlight, and her enchanted icebound world. 
✨ Why loving someone — knowing you may lose them — is the ultimate act of bravery. 
✨ What Rachel is working on next and why it’s a big departure from her prior works. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Rachel Griffin – @timesnewRachel

✨ Loved this episode? Leave us a rating and review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers find The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by indie fantasy author Beck Michaels, creator of the sprawling Guardians of the Maiden series and the god-centered romantasy prequels King’s Bride and King’s Kiss. From writing toucan reunion stories in elementary school to building multi-series fantasy lore inspired by forests, rain, and classic epic fantasy, Beck shares the deeply personal creative roots behind her worlds.

We dive into her journey from teenage notebook drafts to indie publishing success, why she chose creative control over the traditional path, and how her stories expanded from a quest-driven found-family epic into darker, adult fairy-tale romances centered on gods, monsters, and mythic love. Beck also takes us behind the scenes of indie special editions, painted edges, and character covers, and explains how experimentation helped her stand out early in the indie space.

We also talk about writing outside your comfort zone, discovering themes after the story is written, and why some of her most powerful character moments come straight from real-life lines spoken by her husband.

🗺️ What happens when a teenage fantasy draft refuses to stay unfinished?
🦢 How do epic quests and godly romances grow from the same world?
🖤 And why do dark gods deserve their happy endings too?

This episode is a must-listen for epic fantasy readers, romantasy lovers, and indie authors building worlds of their own.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Beck’s early writing roots from elementary school storybooks to high school epic fantasy drafts.
✨ How Lord of the Rings, fairy lore, and nature shaped the Guardians world.
✨ Pausing writing to raise a family and returning years later to finish the story.
✨ Choosing indie publishing to keep creative control over story, covers, and direction.
✨ The massive learning curve behind indie publishing success.
✨ The Guardians of the Maiden series — epic quest fantasy, found family, magical relics, and shadow demons.
✨ Expanding the same world into adult god-centered romantasy with King’s Bride and King’s Kiss. 
✨ Rune, the god of shadows, and why villains need love stories too. 
✨ Building special editions as an indie author, including painted edges, boxes, merch, and production challenges. 
✨ Real-life inspiration — how her husband’s words become romantic dialogue
✨ Writing themes that appear subconsciously, including forgiveness, self-acceptance, loving the “monstrous” parts. 
✨ Advice for aspiring writers. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US
🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📦 Guest: Beck Michaels – @Beck_Michaels

✨ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors discover The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Louve-CH, author of the hauntingly lyrical romantasy Awakening of the Starborne. This conversation explores what it means to write through pain, to build worlds that can hold broken things, and to trust your voice even when it scares you.

Louve takes us inside the emotional origin of Awakening of the Starborn, including how big, unmanageable feelings and a season of personal upheaval became the catalyst for a story steeped in trauma, resilience, and transformation. We talk heroines shaped differently by the same wounds, the power of lyrical prose to hold contradiction, and why she intentionally refused non-linear flashbacks in favor of a grounded, linear journey.

We dive deep into Savae’s arc: a feral, stubborn, trauma-forged heroine navigating deadly trials, an elite war university, dragons, and a world that is at once breathtakingly beautiful and relentlessly dangerous. Louve unpacks how healing shows up on the page — not as instant transformation, but as repetition, backsliding, and slow, hard-won growth.

We also get candid about the realities of indie publishing: seven months of editing, rewriting an entire 196,000-word book into present-tense lyrical prose, the sting of negative reviews for experimental writing styles, and the joy of a street team that feels like found family. This is a conversation about craft, courage, and the radical act of writing the book only you could write.

🐺 What happens when a “wolf-raised” inner child finds her way into epic fantasy?
✨ How can lyrical prose carry both beauty and devastation at once?
🔥 And what does real, messy healing look like when dragons are involved?

This episode is a must-listen for readers who love emotionally rich fantasy, aspiring authors wrestling with doubt, and anyone who believes stories can be both ferocious and tender.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Writing through grief, overwhelm, and “big emotions” — and why channeling them into art saved Louve.
✨ The idea of women being shaped differently by the same trauma.
✨ Choosing lyrical prose to hold contradiction, emotion, and atmosphere.
✨ Switching an entire debut novel from first-person past to present tense for immediacy.
✨ Savae as a feral, stubborn, deeply wounded heroine — and why that matters.
✨ Deadly trials, an elite war university, dragons, and the cutthroat worldbuilding of Awakening of the Starborne.
✨ First-person POV as a tool for intentional confusion, immersion, and emotional impact.
✨ Facing criticism of lyrical styles (à la When the Moon Hatched) and choosing her audience anyway. 
✨ Writing for her inner child — and for readers who have lived through trauma. 
✨ Letting characters (especially Savae) derail the plot — and writing around them. 
✨ The secret subplots that will span the trilogy and a future prequel series. 
✨ Why debut authors should take their time: “You only publish your debut once.”
✨ Comparison, bad reviews, and why you must know who you’re writing for.

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Louve-CH – @uniqueradiance

✨ Loved this episode? Leave us a rating and review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers find The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Rachel Skye, founder of The Nerd Fam — a reader-first book marketing and outreach company connecting authors with the audiences who are most excited to discover them. If you’ve ever wondered how ARC campaigns, reader lists, influencer boxes, and PR outreach actually work behind the scenes, this episode pulls back the curtain.

Rachel shares how Nerd Fam grew from BookTok roots into a values-driven author marketing hub, why she focuses on community fit over vanity metrics, and how thoughtful reader matching creates stronger long-term results than flashy one-day buzz. We talk about realistic expectations for review rates, the truth about reach vs. virality, and why gorgeous PR boxes are not always the right first step for a debut author.

We also dig into ethical marketing practices, reader privacy, AI concerns in author promotion, and what success really looks like beyond bestseller lists and social media hype.

📦 Are PR boxes the best move — or the last move — in an author marketing plan?
📊 Why are review expectations so often misunderstood?
🎯 And what actually gives authors the highest return on their marketing investment?

This episode is essential listening for indie authors, debut writers, and anyone trying to understand how modern book marketing really works.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How The Nerd Fam started and the gap Rachel saw between indie and traditionally published author support. 
✨ What Nerd Fam actually does (and doesn’t do) in the book marketing space. 
✨ “Bookish Santa” vs bookish matchmaker — connecting the right books with the right readers. 
✨ Building a values-aligned reader community and why cultural fit matters. 
✨ AI use in promotion and why Nerd Fam screens for it. 
✨ Reader signups, campaigns, and how authors and readers get matched. 
✨ What expectations Nerd Fam has for readers and why honesty matters more than hype. 
✨ ARC campaigns vs influencer mailings vs PR boxes and when each makes sense. 
✨ Why debut authors should focus on review foundations before luxury campaigns. 
✨ Vanity metrics vs real success and what actually sustains an author career. 
✨ Setting realistic marketing expectations and playing the long game. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📦 Guest: The Nerd Fam – @thenerdfam

✨ Love these behind-the-scenes publishing conversations? Leave a rating & review — it helps more authors and readers find The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Sara Santillan is joined by our returning Quicksilver influencer, Jan from @JanBookShelf for a full-spoiler deep dive into Brimstone, the explosive second installment in Callie Hart’s Quicksilver series. If you’ve read Brimstone, buckle in — and if you haven’t, proceed with caution, because we go all the way into the rot, the gods, the fire sprites, and that jaw-dropping ending.

Together, Sara and her guest unpack Saeris's transformation from street survivor to Queen of the Blood Court, the evolution of her bond with Kingfisher, and what it truly means to wield power in a world that is literally unraveling. They explore how Saeris's identity as half-fey, half-vampire reshapes not only her sense of self but the political landscape around her, and how her choices are already rippling toward an inevitable war.

We dive deep into the nature of the rot, the devastating truth behind brimstone, and the ethical nightmare of what it may cost to stop the decay consuming the realm. They debate whether the rot is divine, magical, or something even more sinister, and what that means for book three.

You’ll also hear a heartfelt exploration of Saeris's relationships — her fierce devotion to family, her found family, and her unforgettable bond with Kingfisher. From dream-walking to desperate rescues, Sara and Jan reflect on how their love for the series has deepened, grown, and been tested in ways that feel both epic and intimate.

Of course, no Brimstone deep dive would be complete without celebrating Carrion and Onyx — the chaos duo we didn’t know we needed. The pair break down why Carrion’s role feels less like a love triangle and more like a vital, platonic alliance, and why his future could be pivotal to the war ahead.

Finally, they wrestle with the gods and the haunting question of who is really pulling the strings in this world. Is anyone truly trustworthy? And what will Saeris have to become to survive what’s coming?

🩸 What does it truly mean to rule a kingdom built on blood and fire?
🔥 How far is too far when the world itself is rotting?
👑 And what will Saeris sacrifice to become the queen she is destined to be?

This is a must-listen for Quicksilver fans, dark romantasy lovers, and anyone obsessed with morally complex heroines and world-shaking stakes.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Saeris's evolution from Quicksilver to Brimstone. 
✨ Power, identity, and the cost of leadership. 
✨ The nature of the rot and the truth of brimstone. 
✨ The fire sprites and the moral stakes of magic. 
✨ Saeris's and Kingfisher’s bond, and what that means for fate, love, and sacrifice.
✨ Carrion, Onyx, and the power of platonic loyalty. 
✨ Predictions and theories for Book 3. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Jan – @janbookshelf

✨ Loved this deep dive? Leave us a rating and review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers find The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut romantasy author Madeline Taylor, whose book Heir of Illusion is already taking the genre by storm. Equal parts hilarious, unfiltered and deeply insightful, Madeline walks us through her winding path from unsuccessful actress, to  English degree, to self-publishing, to a whirlwind traditional publishing deal in a matter of months.

We talk about what it really looks like to write a book during grief, burnout, and mental health struggles, and how spite, therapy, and sheer determination helped her push through anyway. Madeline is refreshingly candid about money stress, timing, and the emotional whiplash of being courted by agents and editors while still trying to pay for wisdom teeth surgery.

Then we dive into the deliciously dark world of Heir of Illusion: a female assassin bound to a ruthless king, a mysterious Shadow Reaper, and illusion magic that is as morally tricky as it is powerful. Madeline unpacks Ivy’s journey from self-punishment to self-worth, the seductive danger of invisibility, and why she loves writing razor-sharp banter more than anything.

🗡️ What happens when spite becomes your greatest creative fuel?
🖤 How do illusions blur the line between survival and morality?
🔥 And what does it really take to go from indie debut to trad deal in record time?

This is a must-listen for romantasy readers, aspiring authors, and anyone who loves messy heroines, shadow daddies, and brutally good cliffhangers.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Madeline’s unlikely journey from failed acting to published author.
✨ How spite — and someone underestimating her — became a powerful motivator.
✨ The reality of self-publishing on a shoestring budget.
✨ Auctions, foreign rights, and the surreal speed of her trad deal.
✨ Why writing is a business — and how she treated it like one.
✨ Illusion magic, invisibility, and moral grayness in Heir of Illusion.
✨ Banter as Madeline’s favorite thing to write and why scripts helped her master dialogue. 
✨ Her favorite and hardest chapters to write. 
✨ That evil cliffhanger and why Madeline stands by it. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Madeline Taylor – @madelinetaylorauthor

✨ Loved this episode? Leave us a rating and review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers find The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Braidee Otto, author of Songbird of the Sorrows, for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring for aspiring authors.

Braidee takes us from her childhood struggles with reading (and a very memorable moment of classroom humiliation) to the exact moment a holographic Del Toro Quest cover rewired her brain and set her on a lifelong path as a ferocious reader and writer. We talk hyperfocus, ADHD, all-or-nothing creativity, and what four straight months of writing actually look like.

We also dive into Braidee’s wild publishing journey from indie release, to shock translation and audio offers before her book even hit shelves, to signing with an agent just weeks later, and eventually landing a traditional deal. Along the way, she shares refreshingly honest insights about fear, self-doubt, relinquishing control, and why gorgeous covers really do matter.

And of course, we sink our teeth into Songbird of the Sorrows — a princess-turned-spy competing in deadly bridal trials, caught between duty, desire, and a former flame who is now her handler.

🕊️ What happens when spite turns into a lifelong love of stories?
🗡️ What if your biggest writing breakthrough came before you even realized you were being watched?
🔥 And what does it really take to move from indie to trad without losing your creative soul?

This episode is a must-listen for romantasy readers, epic fantasy lovers, and any aspiring author wondering what the publishing journey actually looks like.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Braidee’s unforgettable childhood reading story and how spite became her superpower.
✨ Four-month hyperfocus writing sprints and what her real writing days look like.
✨ The ADHD conversation and “all-or-nothing” creative brains.
✨ Writing through self-doubt and why the fear hit hardest after finishing the book.
✨ Navigating indie to trad in record time.
✨ Why investing in your cover can literally change your career.
✨ A deep dive into Songbird of the Sorrows: deadly bridal trials, spies, and second chances.
✨ Why Braidee wants readers to remember how the book made them feel. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Braidee Otto – @braideeottobooks

✨ If you loved this episode, please rate and review — it helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Hannah Gomez, Senior Editor and Director of Cultural Accuracy and Sensitivity Editorial Services at Kevin Anderson & Associates, for one of the most eye-opening craft conversations we’ve had yet — especially for aspiring authors.

We dive into what cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually means (and what it doesn’t), why fantasy and invented worlds are never as disconnected from real history as we think, and how small overlooked details can quietly break reader trust. Hannah shares how her work helps authors strengthen their stories, avoid unintentional harm, and build more immersive, believable worlds — not by policing creativity, but by sharpening it.

From goblin stereotypes with real historical roots to cookbook naming pitfalls to fantasy races that accidentally mirror real-world bias, this episode pulls back the curtain on blind spots most writers never realize they have until someone shows them.

📚 What if your “made-up” fantasy race isn’t actually neutral?
🔍 What tiny detail can break reader trust instantly?
🧠 And how can curiosity — not fear — make your writing stronger?

If you’re an aspiring author, fantasy writer, or worldbuilder, this episode is a must-listen craft masterclass.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ What cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually is and why the name evolved. 
✨ The difference between “sensitivity” and simple factual or cultural accuracy. 
✨ Why fantasy worlds are never truly disconnected from real cultures and history. 
✨ Hidden historical roots behind common fantasy tropes (including goblins and witches). 
✨ The “IMDb goof” effect — how one wrong detail can pull readers out of a story. 
✨ Blind spots authors commonly have in both fiction and nonfiction. 
✨ Writing outside your lived experience and best practices that actually help. 
✨ Three essential self-check questions every author should ask while drafting. 
✨ How cultural accuracy edits work behind the scenes. 
✨ Budgeting for cultural accuracy edits as part of your publishing plan. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill

📖 Guest: Hannah Gomez, Cultural Accuracy & Sensitivity Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates: @KaWriting

✨ Mention this episode when reaching out to Kevin Anderson & Associates and Hannah will extend a listener discount on her services.

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling romantasy author Tessonja Odette to talk about her genre-spanning catalog, her indie-to-traditional publishing journey, and her upcoming dark fantasy romance, The Lies That Summon The Night. From cozy fae rom-coms to shadowy, art-forbidden worlds filled with monsters and hunters, Tessonja shares how experimentation, persistence, and reader awareness shaped her career.

We dive into Tessonja's 15-year road to publishing her first book, why “failing forward” in indie publishing helped her find her true voice, and how paying attention to reader behavior and market shifts led her to pursue a traditional deal. We also explore her creative process, how she pushes through self-doubt and writer’s block, and why finding your writing crew might be the single most important step for aspiring authors.

Then we step into the dark, dangerous world of her newest release, where art is illegal, artists are fugitives, shadow monsters are drawn to creativity, and survival may depend on an uneasy alliance with a deadly hunter.

🎨 What if creating art could get you hunted?
🩸 What if your only protection came from the one man who could turn you in?
🕯️ And what happens when dark fantasy, romance, and rebellion collide?

This episode is a must-listen for romantasy readers, trope lovers, and aspiring authors navigating their own publishing path.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Tessonja’s creative roots in art, music, and punk bands, and why she ultimately chose writing.
✨ The 15-year journey behind her first novel and the reality of rewriting, doubt, and persistence.
✨ Imposter syndrome, research overwhelm, and pushing through creative paralysis.
✨ Why publishing her early work — even when it didn’t succeed — helped her grow faster.
✨ Experimenting across fae fantasy, fairy tale retellings, cozy rom-coms, and dark fantasy romance.
✨ The shift in indie vs. traditional fantasy romance audiences and what changed.
✨ How watching reader behavior helped guide her publishing strategy.
✨ Why genre-shifting is becoming more accepted for authors.
✨ The importance of finding your writing crew and peer support circle.
✨ Recurring themes in her books: found family and romance as emotional healing.
✨ Inside The Lies That Summon the Night: forbidden art, outlaw storytellers, shadow monsters, and a half-vampire hunter hero. 
✨ Why emotional damage is basically her brand promise to readers. 
✨ Teasing book two (already written) and what’s next in the trilogy. 

CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
📚 Tessonja Odette – @tessonja

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Bethany Amanda is joined by bestselling author Lyra Selene, the mind behind The Fair Folk Trilogy — A Feather So Black, A Crown So Silver, and the just-released finale, A Heart So Green. If you love Celtic folklore, mythic romance, morally complex characters, and fairy tales that refuse to stay simple, this conversation is for you.

Lyra takes us deep into the origins of The Fair Folk Trilogy, from living in rural Ireland as a child to falling in love with Irish mythology, wild landscapes, and the question of why we keep returning to the same stories over and over again. We talk about her lifelong relationship with storytelling, the winding road to publication, and why perseverance — not talent — is often the deciding factor in an author’s career.

We also dive into what makes this trilogy so emotionally resonant: a changeling heroine caught between worlds, a Swan Princess story turned inside out, and relationships built on tension between what a character wants and what they truly need. Lyra opens up about writing complicated heroines, controversial love triangles, and villains who genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing — even when they’re not.

🦢 What happens when the Swan Princess isn’t the hero?
🌿 How do myth, landscape, and folklore shape a fantasy world from the inside out?
💔 And why are the most devastating endings often the most honest?

This episode is a love letter to mythic fantasy, character-driven storytelling, and the beauty of bittersweet endings that linger long after the final page.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Lyra’s childhood spent moving between countries, including a formative year in Ireland, and how that shaped her imagination.
✨ The Fair Folk Trilogy as a Celtic-inspired reimagining of Swan Lake and The Swan Princess.
✨ Writing fantasy that feels mythic, lyrical, deeply romantic, and grounded.
✨ Why Lyra considers herself a character-first writer and how internal vs. external wants drive story tension.
✨ Love triangles, banter, and relationships that force characters to confront who they really are.
✨ Turning the Swan Princess into the villain, and why Lyra believes great villains never think they’re the villain.
✨ The theme of self-acceptance and choosing yourself over romance.
✨ The realities of publishing: multiple books that didn’t sell, switching agents, and learning to keep your eyes on your own paper.
✨ What to expect from A Heart So Green, including new POVs, higher stakes, and an ending that is earned, bittersweet, and unforgettable. 
✨ What Lyra is working on next, including a Roaring Twenties–inspired adult fantasy standalone. 

🐦 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Guest Author: Lyra Selene – @lyraselene

✨ Loved this episode? Leaving a rating or review helps more fantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with writing coach Rachel Giffin, whose blend of mindset work, emotional intelligence, structure, and tough love has helped countless writers finally finish the book they’ve been dreaming of. Rachel brings an authenticity and clarity to the writing process that is rare — one that cuts through fear, perfectionism, and overwhelm to get to the truth: you can do this, even when it feels impossible.

Rachel shares her path from film school to writing to coaching, how she discovered her gift for guiding writers through resistance, and why she believes emotional regulation is just as important as craft. We unpack what really stops writers from completing their books, the questions she uses to break through mental blocks, and how to show up for your writing even when motivation disappears.

🔥 What happens when you stop waiting to “feel ready”?
📝 Why the stories we write are often the ones we’re scared to face
💪 And how a writing coach can help you build not just a book but a writing identity

Whether you’re drafting your first novel or revisiting a project you’ve abandoned 10 times, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, strengthened, and ready to return to the page.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How Rachel became a writing coach and why confidence, not talent, is often the missing piece
✨ The mindset patterns she sees most often in writers and how to break them
✨ Why open-mindedness matters more than experience when working with a coach
✨ The real role of a writing coach vs. what people think coaches do
✨ Why perfectionism, fear, and emotional overwhelm stop writers more than craft issues
✨ Rachel’s signature question-based coaching method and how it rewires resistance
✨ How to build a writing habit even on days when motivation evaporates
✨ The importance of separating facts from feelings
✨ Her favorite client success stories — and the moment she knew she was meant to do this work

🐦 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill
👤 Guest: Rachel Giffin – @rachel_giffin_writes

✨ If this episode gave you the push you needed to return to your book, leave us a rating & review — it helps more writers find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Sarah Mughal Rana, whose upcoming fantasy novel Dawn of the Firebird is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Rooted in Sarah’s lifelong martial arts practice, her cultural heritage, and years of deep historical and philosophical study, this book delivers the kind of character-first, world-rich epic fantasy we can’t stop thinking about.

Sarah takes us behind the curtain of her writing journey — from drafting the earliest version of this book in high school, to joining Pitch Wars, to working with an agent who encouraged her to strip away the very cultural heart that made her story whole. She talks openly about walking away, finding an agent who championed the book as it truly is, and the long road from deal announcement to publication date.

We also dive into the intense physicality of her heroine, the discipline and spirituality embedded in the world, and the way Sarah’s love of anime, history, and myth wove themselves together to shape an epic that feels as intimate as it is cinematic.

🔥 What does it take to write a heroine forged in discipline rather than destiny?
🕊️ How does a story evolve when an author refuses to compromise what matters?
⚔️ And how do martial arts, culture, and philosophy become the backbone of an entire fantasy trilogy?

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, creativity, and honoring the story only you can tell.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How real martial arts training shaped Khamilla's movement, mindset, and emotional arc.
✨ The cultural influences behind the Firebird and why the book draws on ancient mythology without replicating Western fantasy traditions.
✨ The role of discipline, faith, and philosophy in building a world and a heroine.
✨ Sarah’s Pitch Wars experience and what she learned about standing firm in her creative identity.
✨ Navigating agents, bad advice, and finding the right advocate for your work.
✨ The long acquisition-to-publication timeline and how it changed her writing.
✨ Why anime became a structural and emotional influence for the trilogy.
✨ What Sarah is working on next, including a chess-inspired fantasy.

💫 CONNECT WITH US
📖 Follow Sarah Mughal Rana – IG: @sarahmughal769
🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMic

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, please leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Elise Helliwell, whose dazzling time-travel romance Within the Space of a Second will leave you questioning fate, time, and the meaning of love itself.

Set against a backdrop of mystery and magic, this novel follows an introverted academic and a charismatic time traveler whose destinies collide across years and realities. It’s emotional, intricate, and breathtakingly romantic — the perfect blend of Divine Rivals, The Seven Year Slip, and A Discovery of Witches.

🕰️ What if you could go back in time to uncover the truth about your past?
💫 What if every difference you thought made you strange was the key to your destiny?
🔥 And what if the love of your life had already met you in another timeline?

Elise joins us from Queensland, Australia, to talk about her unconventional path from radiographer to author, the early mornings spent writing before sunrise, and the power of believing in your story even when no one else knows it exists.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 How Within the Space of a Second was born — finished just one day before Elise gave birth to her first child
⏰ Writing between 4 and 5:30 a.m. (and why discipline beats “free time” every time)
🏆 How Elise landed her publishing deal with Atria (Simon & Schuster) through a live pitch competition
💔 The emotional heart of her story — that our differences make us extraordinary
💋 The “forbidden touch” first kiss scene that placed second in the Romance Writers of Australia’s First Kiss Competition
🕯️ Time travel, hidden identities, found family, and the soul-deep ache of a he falls first love story
📖 What aspiring authors can learn from Elise’s writing process and her top advice on edits, pitching, and perseverance
🪶 Sneak peek: Book two in The Mark of the Time Traveler series — and a contemporary rom-com she describes as Bridget Jones’s Diary meets The Love Hypothesis

💫 CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow Elise Helliwell – IG: @elisehelliwellauthor
🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

🛒 Within the Space of a Second releases November 25 (Kindle Unlimited) and May (US hardcover) through Atria/Simon & Schuster — add it to your TBR now!

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you believe in love across time, second chances, or early-morning writing miracles, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

This week, we’re returning to Alchemised for Part 2 of our deep-dive discussion. If Part 1 was about the plot, main characters, and emotional impact, this episode is about everything beneath it — the gods, the history, the side characters, and the uncomfortable question of which side is "good" when it comes to war.

Hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined again by artist and Alchemised superfan Karina Giada, who returns to help us peel back every narrative layer. We dig into the origins of alchemy, the celestial history of Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how one divine catastrophe reshaped the world. We also talk about why the Order of the Eternal Flame may not be as righteous as they seem, how religion became a weapon of control, and the moral line the resistance refused to cross to win the war. Finally, we spend time on some major side characters, including Luc, Lila, and Soren. 

This episode is for readers who love deep worldbuilding, ethical gray zones, and the kind of magic systems that reveal character as much as they drive plot.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS…
✨ The celestial origin of alchemy and why lumithium changed everything.
✨ Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how the gods/celestial objects still shape the world even in the background.
✨ The moral dilemma of necromancy and whether the Resistance made the right call. 
✨ Why the Order’s version of “purity” starts to look like control. 
✨ Side characters who quietly redefine the narrative, including Lila and Soren, and whether Helena had a crush on Luc. 
✨ How history decides who the heroes were, and how this story challenges that.

📚 Missed Part 1? Go listen to that one first — it sets the groundwork for everything here. 

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US:
🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
👤Host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
👤Host Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill
🎨 Guest: Karina Giada – @karinagiada

💬 If you love these deep dives, leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers find our chaos.

From writing her first kiss scene during lockdown to landing a five-book traditional deal after indie success, Imani walks us through the celestial world of Star-gods, fated romance, shadow selves, and breathtaking cliffhangers that will have readers screaming.

✨ If you love lush world building, enemies-to-lovers tension, and myth-soaked fantasy with heart and depth, this episode will feel like coming home.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS…

🌙 The Origin Story of Heavenly Bodies:
How a single Pinterest quote sparked an epic celestial romance and became the emotional backbone of the entire series. 

📚 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing — and Why Imani Did Both:
Imani shares why she chose to indie publish first, how it changed her self-worth as an author, and the moment the traditional deal found her instead of the other way around. 

⚔️ Enemies to Lovers + Duality Themes:
How light vs. dark becomes a story of healing, shadow integration, and self-love,  not just romance. 

🌑 The Shadow Self as Fantasy Magic:
Why Elara’s darkness isn’t something to defeat but rather something to embrace, and how real-world trauma and self-acceptance shaped the emotional core of the story. 

💥 That Book One Betrayal
You know the one we're talking about, and why you should go into book two with an open heart. 

🌊 What to Expect in Fallen Stars
A dark maritime adventure with pirates, mermaids, Victorian gothic atmosphere, and a furious heroine burning to wake her beloved. PLUS a new villain and multiple POVs. 

📖 Five Books, One Fate
Yes — this is a FIVE-BOOK series. Yes — the cliffhangers get worse. No — Imani does not feel bad. You have been warned. 😈

🪐 CONNECT WITH US

📚 Follow Imani Erriu – @authorimanierriu
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
💫 Follow host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
📝 Order Heavenly Bodies & pre-order Fallen Stars wherever books are sold

✨ Love this episode? Leave us a review!
Every review helps more romantasy lovers find their way to us and prevents us from throwing ourselves into the sea with Fallen Stars cliffhangers. 

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan chat with Kate Black, founder of Bitch'n Books Editorial, about the real side of editing — from finding the right editor for your book to understanding what kind of edit your manuscript actually needs.

Whether you’re a first-time author staring down your draft, an indie writer ready to publish, or just wondering what even is a developmental edit, this episode is your new writing handbook. Kate breaks down the entire editorial process with honesty, humor, and heart, and introduces her unique “motivational edit” that might just help you finish that book.

🪄 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📖 From Reader to Editor: How Bitch'n Books Was Born
How Kate’s Bookstagram journey turned into a full-fledged editing business, and why she built her brand around being unapologetically herself.

💥 The “Vibe Check” Philosophy
Why every author deserves an editor who gets their tone, vision, and world, and how a “sample edit” helps you find your perfect creative match.

🧠 Editing 101: What You Actually Need
The difference between developmental, line, copy, and proof edits, and when to use each one in your writing journey.

🔥 Motivational Edits: The Pep Talk Your Draft Needs
The most underrated editorial service you didn’t know existed, designed for writers who feel stuck, need encouragement, or want to reignite their passion for their story.

🌍 Fantasy & Romantasy Challenges
Why worldbuilding often goes wrong, how to balance over- and under-explaining, and what editors really look for in fantasy manuscripts.

💬 Finding the Right Editor Fit
What to ask, when to book, how to compare samples, and the biggest mistakes authors make when hiring an editor.

✏️ Prepping for Your First Edit
Kate’s top 3 must-dos before sending off your draft (spoiler: read it out loud — it’ll change everything).

💡 Industry Advice You’ll Actually Use
How to avoid wasting time and money, set realistic timelines, and know when your book is ready to go from draft to polished masterpiece.

💫 LISTEN IF YOU’RE…

• Writing your first (or fifth) book 🖋️
• Wondering what kind of edit your story needs
• Struggling to finish a manuscript
• Building your author team before self-publishing
• Curious how fantasy editors tackle worldbuilding

🩷 CONNECT WITH US

🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic
📚 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🪄 Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill
✍️ Kate from Bitchin’ Editorial – @bitchnbooks | https://www.bitchnbookseditorial.com/

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review!
If this episode helped you understand your next editorial step (or made you feel less alone in the writing chaos), leave us a review — it helps more authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this spoiler-filled deep dive, Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Janett, a devoted Quicksilver reader and influencer who knows this book inside and out, to unravel every breathtaking twist of Callie Hart’s Quicksilver — from desert kingdoms and stolen gauntlets to fated mates and vampire-fae hybrids.

Whether you’ve just finished the book or need a refresher before diving into Brimstone, this episode has you covered. We talk world-building, character arcs, favorite scenes, and our wildest Brimstone theories. 👀

⚡ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

🏜️ The Desert and the Snow
How the brutal Third Ward shapes Saris Fane’s survival and what the frozen realm of the Fae reveals about her destiny.

💫 From Thief to Queen
The incredible transformation of Saris Fane and why her character arc sets a new standard for strong female leads in romantasy.

🧪 The Mystery of Quicksilver
Alchemy, power, and transformation, including what the shimmering silver truly symbolizes and why it may hold the key to the gods’ design.

💀 Carrion Swift’s Bloodline
The twist that changed everything. We break down why his blood mattered in the final battle, what it revealed about ancient Fae lineage, and what it means for Brimstone.

👑 Fated Mates & Forbidden Love
Kingfisher and Saris — enemies, lovers, rulers. How their dynamic balances tenderness, power, and pain.

🩸 Vampires, Fae & the Gods
How divinity, alchemy, and destiny intertwine, and our best (and possibly unhinged) theories about what the gods are planning next.

🔥 Brimstone Theories & Predictions
From secret heirs to divine revenge, we unpack our wild fan theories and why we’re terrified and thrilled for what’s coming next.

💫 LISTEN IF YOU LOVE…

• Fae & vampire romantasy 🔥
• Found family & slow-burn power couples
• Political intrigue and alchemy-based magic
• Characters who grow, break, and rebuild themselves

💬 CONNECT WITH US

🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast @MythicMic
📚 Bethany Amanda @BethanyinFantasyland
🪄 Sara Santillan @The_Magical_Quill
👑 Janett — @JanBookshelf

💥 Spoiler warning: We discuss Quicksilver in full and tease our wildest predictions for Brimstone — so you’ve been warned.

✨ Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share this episode to join the conversation before the next book drops — and tag us with your own Brimstone theory!

In this episode, co-host Sara Santillan sits down with international guest Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind and the explosive new fantasy The Bone Raiders — a brutal, hilarious, and wildly original tale of raiders in an alternate-universe Mongolia who trade their horses for giant, fire-breathing lizards. 🐉

From journalism to genre-bending fantasy, Jackson opens up about finding his authentic writing voice, weaving humor into heartbreak, and creating an all-female raider band that redefines power and complexity. The conversation is equal parts chaos and insight, and every minute is pure gold.

🔥 What happens when you decide to write fantasy exactly the way you talk?
💀 What if your “villains” are just people trying to survive?
🗝️ And what if the most dangerous thing in a story isn’t the dragon but the author behind it?

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 How The Bone Raiders was born — from journalism burnout to wild creative freedom
💬 Why Jackson’s biggest success came after he stopped censoring his humor (and leaned into “dumb jokes”)
⚔️ Crafting action scenes that hit hard and make you laugh — and why he’s writing fewer of them now
👑 Building an all-female raider crew inspired by strength, safety, and authenticity
🌍 The deep cultural world-building behind his Mongolian-inspired setting 
🧠 His no-nonsense approach to writing as a job — word goals, discipline, and knowing when to take a walk
🎯 Bonus chaos: the Lightning Round — weapons of choice, favorite worlds, and writing snacks

💫 CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow Jackson Ford – IG: @realjacksonford
🎙️ Host: Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎙️ Host: Bethany Corbin – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you laugh, rethink your “villains,” or wish you were a bone-clad raider on a fire-breathing lizard, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, host Sara Santillan sits down with Matt Kaye, co-founder and CEO of Bindery Books, to explore one of the most innovative and disruptive ideas in modern publishing: a tastemaker-driven publishing model that flips the traditional system on its head.

Matt walks us through his 20-year journey across traditional publishing, Amazon, and Patreon, and how watching creators build massive, loyal, book-loving communities inspired him to ask one radical question: What if the people readers already trust — i.e., bookish tastemakers — became publishers themselves?

From Indie authors who never had a platform to books traditional publishers would “never take a chance on” to runaway successes like Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank, Matt reveals how Bindery is creating a new ecosystem where authors, tastemakers, and readers thrive together.

This episode is a must-listen for authors, book influencers, industry professionals, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the future of publishing.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 The Collapse of Traditional Book Marketing
Why legacy methods no longer reach readers and how tastemakers organically filled that void.

✨ The Birth of Bindery Books
How a lunch conversation sparked a vision for a publishing model powered by reader trust and community engagement.

📣 What a Tastemaker Actually Is
Not “influencers” but readers with powerful taste, loyal communities, and the ability to champion books they truly love.

🚀 From PitchFest to Publication
How the Bindery acquisitions process works, why authors retain more creative control, and how tastemakers guide cover design and marketing.

📈 Success Stories That Changed Everything
Including Destin J. Munden’s Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and House of Frank,  and how both books took off without the backing of traditional publishing giants.

🎨 The Era of Iconic Covers
Why Bindery books look different — i.e., real artists, real creativity, no AI shortcuts, and no trend-chasing copycat designs.

🛠️ Building a Platform for Readers
How Bindery is creating a digital space that goes beyond content by building a true community home for book lovers.

📉 What Traditional Publishing Is Missing
The reality of “platform requirements,” the stress put on authors, and why so many incredible books fall through the cracks.

💡 The Future of Publishing
Hundreds of niche imprints run by passionate tastemakers, diverse stories, more risk-taking, and a model where authors finally get the support they deserve.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic
📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🪄 Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill
📖 Explore Bindery Books – www.binderybooks.com and @Bindery_Books

✨ If this episode opened your eyes to the future of publishing, don’t forget to rate & review — it helps more readers and authors discover The Mythic Mic!

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan dive into their November book lineup, which includes a magical mix of mythology, monsters, knights, and heartbreak. From Greek goddesses and Slavic folklore to political intrigue and dark underworld bargains, this month’s reads took us across worlds and through every possible emotion.

The duo share spoiler-filled reactions, emotional chaos, and (of course) some passionate book rants. If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, this is the deep dive for you.

💀 What happens when a knight loses half his soul?
⚔️ Can love survive a war built on lies and blood?
🐍 And what if Medusa’s curse was never a punishment but a rebellion?

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT...

📖 To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth – Slavic folklore, holy knights, monsters, and the moral cost of redemption. Why Baba Yaga’s bargains are never what they seem, and how found family and queerness ground this brutal, heartfelt novella.

🐍 I, Medusa by Ayana Gray – A feminist retelling that transforms the monster into a martyr. We unpack its powerful themes of justice, vengeance, and survival and why Athena might be the true villain of Greek mythology.

👑 The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino – A sweeping tale of forbidden love, political chaos, knights and mages, and devotion that burns brighter than magic itself. The magic system, the heartbreak, and that slow burn had us screaming.

🏛️ Fallen City by Adrienne Young – A lush, Roman-inspired fantasy of rebellion, forbidden love, and destiny versus duty. Two lovers, two sides of a war, and one breathtaking story of fate and faith.

💀 Daughter of the Underworld by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr – A dark descent into Greek-inspired punishment and power, where soul servers barter freedom in the house of Hades and justice is anything but merciful.

🖤 Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano – A chaotic, irreverent fantasy with Disenchantment energy, following a thief and a half-demon prince on a quest filled with curses, chaos, and reluctant romance. Dark, funny, and delightfully unhinged.

❄️ A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody & C.L. Herman – The ultimate winter fantasy of destiny and defiance. Two chosen ones bound by opposing forces — summer and winter — must unite to save their world before their magic destroys it.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod
📚 Hosts: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
| Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! Whether you love your fantasy cozy or cataclysmic, your reviews help more readers discover the magic of The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with bestselling author Veronica Lancet, the darkly imaginative mind behind the gothic phenomenon Fairydale — a haunting, genre-bending fantasy that has captivated readers across BookTok and beyond.

From writing her first stories secretly in class to self-publishing her debut novel during her master’s program in crime science, Veronica’s journey is proof that passion finds its way, even when it starts on a phone hidden behind a stack of textbooks.

We dive deep into her whirlwind path from indie author to USA Today bestseller, the fever dream that was writing Fairydale, and the powerful themes of otherness, identity, and acceptance woven through her work.

💀 What if the monsters you fear are simply misunderstood?
🗝️ What happens when cozy romance turns gothic, twisted, and unforgettable?
🔥 And how do you stay true to your voice when your stories defy every genre box?

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 Veronica’s writing journey — from writing in secret during class to building a dedicated reader base
🖋️ How Fairydale went from indie success to landing a traditional publishing deal and hitting the USA Today Bestseller list
🌒 The fever-dream experience of writing Fairydale in just six weeks
🏰 Crafting gothic, historical, and fantastical worlds that blur the line between love and madness
👁️ Why limited POV storytelling creates mystery, tension, and emotional depth
💔 Themes of grief, otherness, and learning to see beyond fear and difference
🖤 The rise of morally black heroes (and why Veronica loves writing them)
🪶 A first look at her upcoming dark academia novel Sinister — complete with psychological twists and morally complex characters

💫 CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow Veronica Lancet – IG: @authorveronicalancet
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode left you rethinking heroes, villains, and everything in between, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!

For this spooktacular Halloween special, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by Noah from @NoahsBriskReviews for a chilling, bloody, and thought-provoking deep dive into Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and its sequel, Empire of the Damned (all leading up to the third book's release next week!).

This isn’t your typical fang-filled discussion. It’s a raw, emotional exploration of faith, monstrosity, and what it truly means to live (and die) in the light. From holy wars and blood feasts to broken saints and heretic hearts, this episode will have you rethinking what it means to be human in a world ruled by darkness. 🩸

💀 What happens when faith is your curse?
🔥 Can light be just as dangerous as shadow?
🕯️ And how do you trust a story told by a man who might be lying — even to himself?

Grab your garlic, stake, and favorite candle because this one gets hilariously dark.

⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

🩸 Faith, Blasphemy, and Blood: How Empire of the Vampire flips religious myth into gothic legend.
💔 Gabriel de León’s Fall: The man, the myth, and the martyr who refuses to break even when the world does.
🔥 The Burden of Light: Why hope burns brightest in the most brutal worlds.
🦇 The Women Who Bleed Power: Dior, Astrid, and the fierce feminine energy behind Kristoff’s vampires.
📖 Empire of the Damned: What the sequel reveals about guilt, grief, and gods that demand too much.
🧠 The Unreliable Narrator: How Kristoff’s choice to let Gabe tell his own story changes everything and why we can’t be sure what’s truth or self-made myth.

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMicPod (temporarily @mythicmic)
🧛 Guest: Noah – @NoahsBriskReviews
🎧 Host: Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Host: Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill

💀 Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you question your faith in humanity (or vampires), leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with Jed and Liz, the brilliant minds behind Writing Habit, a platform built for aspiring authors who want to finally finish their books and turn writing into a consistent, joyful habit.

From word count challenges and monster-slaying writing sprints 🐉 to data-driven motivation tools and beta reader feedback forms, Writing Habit is revolutionizing how authors write, track progress, and connect with a community that keeps them inspired.

💻 What if writing your novel felt more like a game than a chore?
🔥 What if accountability could actually be fun?
🗝️ And what if the key to finishing your book was hidden in your daily habits?

We dive into the inspiration behind Writing Habit, how Jed turned his own struggles as an author into a full-fledged platform for writers, and how Liz has helped shape its thriving, supportive community. This episode is packed with insights for every writer — from the first spark of an idea to hitting “publish.”

✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

📚 How Writing Habit began — from a simple Google Docs add-on to a full author platform
💡 Turning daily word counts into motivation through gamified tools and progress stats
🐉 Slaying monsters, leaderboards, and writing streaks that make consistency addictive
🧠 How beta reader questionnaires and editing marks improve feedback quality
🪄 Built-in plotting tools, AI-powered chapter summaries, and story templates
🤝 Why community and accountability are game-changers for creative success
📈 The upcoming 50K writing challenge (and how to join!)
💬 Jed’s best advice for aspiring authors: “Just start. Even if it’s messy.”

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🖋️ Try Writing Habit – writinghabit.app
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode inspired you to write that next chapter, join a challenge, or rethink your creative routine, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this special episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with intellectual property attorney Kirk Sigmon to unpack one of the most heated topics in the book community right now: the legalities of fan fiction and how far authors can go when their work is inspired by existing worlds.

From the recent controversies surrounding books like Alchemised, Rose in Chains, and The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy — all of which originated as Harry Potter fan fiction — to the blurred line between “inspired by” and “infringement,” this episode dives deep into the gray areas of creativity and copyright.

⚖️ What actually counts as plagiarism versus inspiration?
🪄 Can fan fiction ever truly become original work?
🔥 And what risks do authors take when they publish stories born in another universe?

Whether you’re an author navigating your first book deal, a reader wondering where the line is drawn, or a fanfic writer dreaming of publication, this episode is your roadmap through the myth and law of creative transformation.

⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ What “fan fiction” actually means from a legal standpoint
✨ The key differences between copyright, trademark, and fair use
✨ Why “I’m not making money” isn’t a legal defense
✨ How to tell when a story shifts from derivative work to original creation
✨ The role of public domain and why authors should tread carefully
✨ What to do if you receive a cease and desist or copyright claim
✨ How authors can protect their own IP from being used in fan works
✨ Practical tips for fanfic writers, indie authors, and publishers navigating this space

💫 CONNECT WITH US

⚖️ Guest: Kirk Sigmon, Partner at Banner & Witcoff – https://bannerwitcoff.com/people/kirk-sigmon/
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you rethink fan fiction, respect the line between homage and originality, or just appreciate the legal side of creativity, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this special deep dive episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined by artist Karina Giada to unpack the breathtaking fantasy that none of us can stop thinking about: Alchemised.

From the hauntingly beautiful world-building and intricate alchemical magic system to the characters who shattered us (and maybe healed us too), we’re diving headfirst into everything that makes Alchemised pure fantasy perfection.

💔 What makes a villain truly unforgettable?
🗝️ How do you balance love, power, and destiny when the world is falling apart?
🔥 And what happens when transformation costs more than you’re willing to give?

This is Part I of our Alchemised Deep Dive, where we explore the story’s core themes, the characters who linger long after the final page, and the moments that left us completely speechless.

If you’ve read Alchemised, prepare to spiral with us. If you haven’t, you’re about to find out why everyone’s obsessed. 👀 IMPORTANT: This episode contains spoilers! 

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ The alchemical world and the mythology behind its magic
✨ How Alchemised blends dark fantasy, romance, and moral complexity
✨ Our favorite characters and why we all love Kaine Ferron
✨ Themes of transformation, sacrifice, war, and the human cost of power
✨ The aesthetic and symbolism behind Alchemised’s visual world
✨ Our favorite emotional moments (and the ones that broke us)

💫 CONNECT WITH US

🎨 Follow Karina Giada – IG: @KarinaGiada
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you scream, swoon, or start annotating your copy of Alchemised, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author K.D. Stark, whose sweeping Greek mythology retelling Where Darkness Bloomed brings the myths of Hades and Persephone, Helen of Troy, and Achilles together in one breathtaking, emotional epic.

By day, K.D. is a criminal defense attorney, but her journey from the courtroom to the underworld proves that creativity can bloom even in the most unexpected places. With lyrical prose, haunting emotion, and the moral weight of Greek tragedy, Where Darkness Bloomed reimagines what it means to strive for love, honor, and light—even when you know Troy will fall.

🗝️ What if Hades wasn’t the villain but the weary king who simply wanted peace?
⚔️ What if Helen and Persephone’s stories mirrored each other—two queens trapped by fate, still fighting for freedom?
🔥 And what if your creative spark could survive the driest realities of law, life, and loss?

This episode dives deep into the inspiration behind Where Darkness Bloomed, the emotional toll of writing Greek tragedy, and what it takes to indie publish a mythic debut that feels timeless.

A must-listen for lovers of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and anyone who believes even gods can bleed—and rise again.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How K.D. turned a messy passion project into her first completed manuscript
✨ Reimagining Hades and Persephone alongside Helen of Troy and Achilles
✨ The emotional weight of writing Greek tragedy—from honor to heartbreak
✨ Why third-person narration gives epic fantasy its soul
✨ Handling difficult scenes (including violence and loss) with empathy and care
✨ Balancing motherhood, law, and creative life as an indie author
✨ Marketing lessons from the indie world and why “writing the story you want to read” matters most
✨ Sneak peek: K.D.’s next book, an Odyssey-inspired retelling filled with yearning, monsters, and gods
✨ Rapid-fire fun: mythic cocktails, bar fights, and which god would 100% cheat at game night

🏛️ CONNECT WITH US

📖 Follow K.D. Stark – IG: @K.D.StarkWrites
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)

🛒 Where Darkness Bloomed is available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode rekindled your love of Greek mythology or reminded you that indie authors are the modern-day heroes of publishing, leave us a review—it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

In this special new Aspiring Author Segment launch, co-hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with literary power duo Ben and Lauren Grange, the minds behind Books on the Grange and the creators of the brand-new author community and writing challenge Thirty30—the modern answer to NaNoWriMo.

Ben and Lauren bring over 13 years each of publishing experience across major houses like HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Amazon. Between them, they’ve done it all—editing, agenting, marketing, and even helping writers land agents and publishing deals. Now, through their growing online platform (with over 23K followers on Instagram), they’re teaching aspiring authors how to write smarter, query stronger, and build community in a tough industry.

💡 In this candid and inspiring episode, the Granges share the real stories behind the glamor of publishing—from rejection and low industry pay to rediscovering the joy of writing and building sustainable creative routines. They also break down the creation of Thirty30, a supportive, quarterly writing challenge designed to help authors write 30,000 words in 30 days with tools, community, and accountability built right in.

🪶 What if rejection wasn’t the end, but the start of becoming a better writer?
🔥 What if success wasn’t about trends or timing, but persistence?
💻 And what if the next great author community started with a thousand words a day?

This episode is filled with hard-won wisdom, humor, and motivation for every writer determined to make their story happen—whether you dream of traditional publication or indie success.

✍️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…
✨ How Ben and Lauren each found their way into publishing and why they stayed
✨ The realities of low pay, burnout, and creative rejection in the industry
✨ Why social media and author platforms matter more than ever
✨ How Books on the Grange became a go-to hub for writers online
✨ The creation of Thirty30, a seasonal writing challenge designed to revive creative momentum
✨ How community can help writers push through self-doubt and finally finish their stories

📚 CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:
📖 Follow Ben & Lauren Grange – @BooksOnTheGrange
🌐 Join the Thirty30 Challenge – www.thirty30k.com

🎙️ CONNECT WITH US:
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)
💫 Follow Host Bethany Corbin – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
💫 Follow Co-host Sara Santillan – IG: @the_Magical_Quill

🖋️ Remember: every author starts somewhere—and sometimes, the first step is simply showing up to write.

In this first ever Mythic Roundup episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan share 6 unforgettable reads that defined their October — from gothic romantasy and myth-fueled mystery to twisted fairytales. Whether you love atmospheric worlds, slow-burn tension, or stories that blur the line between hero and monster, this lineup will give you chills (and expand your TBR by at least six).

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig — gothic mists, cursed cards, and the haunting brilliance of the Nightmare
✨ Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber — folklore, fast-paced mystery, and devilish deals in old Hollywood
✨ Hazelthorn — lush worldbuilding, vengeful heroines, and the tangled beauty of blood magic
✨ Red City — rebellion, power, and forbidden romance in a crumbling empire
✨ Gallant by V.E. Schwab — shadows, ghosts, and a girl who refuses to be invisible
✨ Never Ever After — dark fairytales, twisted endings, and villainous charm

🔥 DIVING DEEPER…

Sara starts us off with Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window — a gothic, mist-filled tale of magic and madness where a cursed kingdom is ruled by fear and a young woman carries a literal monster, the Nightmare, inside her mind. From its eerie card-based magic system to its haunting prose, this is the ultimate dark romantasy to curl up with this season.

Then, Bethany dives into Stephanie Garber’s Alchemy of Secrets — the bestselling author’s adult debut that trades fairytale whimsy for old Hollywood mystery. It follows Holland, a grad student researching the Devil’s secret deals with celebrities, who discovers that the myths she’s been chasing might be horrifyingly real. 

Next, Sara explores Hazelthorn, a book steeped in vengeance and the dangerous beauty of nature itself. With its tangled magic rooted in blood and bone and lyrical writing, it’s a story of rage and renewal and the botanical horror read you didn't know you were missing.

Bethany then takes us into Red City, a brutal, vivid fantasy set in a world of feuding alchemy associations. It’s filled with forbidden friendship, ruthless politics, and a heroine torn between survival and justice.

Sara then revisits V.E. Schwab’s Gallant — a haunting, gothic tale about a deaf girl who belongs nowhere, drawn to a decaying manor where shadows move, ghosts whisper, and a mysterious journal may hold the truth about her family. 

Finally, Bethany closes the roundup with Never Ever After, a beautiful Cinderella reimagining where fairytales have darker edges and magic's exploited and feared. 

Grab your favorite fall drink, light a candle, and get cozy — this episode is packed with immersive worlds, strong heroines, and the kind of book talk that’ll have you adding titles to your cart before we finish the outro.

📚 CONNECT WITH US:

🎙️ Follow hosts Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow Sara Santillan – IG: @the_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic) 

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review if you loved this episode! 

In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Serra Swift, whose gothic fantasy Kill the Beast brings together fairies, found family, and fierce friendships in a lush Victorian-inspired world where love isn’t always romantic, but it’s always powerful.

Kill the Beast follows Lyssa, a blacksmith haunted by the past, and Alderic, a melodramatic dandy with a coin purse bigger than his brain. When their paths collide, they’re drawn into a world of broken bargains and monsters that mirror the wounds within. What begins as a tale of survival becomes a story about healing, courage, and the bonds that make us whole.

Serra shares how Kill the Beast began with a vivid dream (and one unforgettable scene that refused to let her go), her passion for grounding fantasy worlds in historical realism, and the long, determined road that led to her success. From researching blacksmithing at Renaissance fairs to building a platonic love story that still feels epic, Serra’s journey is a reminder that persistence, creativity, and heart can truly forge magic.

🗡️ What if the real monster wasn’t what lived in the shadows, but what we feared within ourselves?
🌹 What if friendship was the most revolutionary form of love?
🔥 And what if a dream could change the course of your entire creative life?

This episode is packed with laughter, heart, and incredible insights into storytelling, worldbuilding, and the realities of a writer’s journey.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Serra’s 15-year road to publication and how Kill the Beast became her “make it or break it” book
✨ The vivid dream that sparked Alderic’s character arc and the moment Serra knew the story belonged to Lyssa
✨ Researching Victorian London, fairies, and blacksmithing (including a few very patient blacksmiths)
✨ Writing platonic love and friendship as powerful, central forces in fantasy
✨ How persistence and passion can keep the creative flame alive through rejection
✨ Rapid-fire fun: thrift-store hauls with Alderic, therapy sessions with Lyssa, and which character would survive a road trip (spoiler: not all of them)

⚔️ CONNECT WITH US:
📖 Follow Serra Swift – IG: @SerraSwiftAuthor
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎙️ Follow host Sara Santillan – IG: @the_Magical_Quill
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

Unlock the Dark follows Elia Tallis, a girl who can conjure keys to unlock doors to any place—except the one land she’s been banished from on pain of death. When a desperate prince asks her to break that very law, she’s pulled into a journey of curses, creatures, and choices that blur the line between love and survival.

Sasa shares her road to publication (including the unforgettable phone call that changed her life), her creative process as a writer and mom, and the real-life inspiration behind Elia’s key-based magic. We also dive into themes of resilience, rest, and rediscovering creativity after burnout.

🔑 What if you could open any door—but one could destroy you?
💀 What if the god of death demanded your brother’s soul as payment for mercy?
🔥 And what if saving your family meant breaking every rule of magic and morality?

This conversation is packed with heartfelt advice for writers, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and insights into the publishing world you won’t want to miss.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How Sasa’s publishing dream came true (and the wild phone call that announced her book deal!)
✨ What Unlock the Dark is really about — guilt, love, and impossible choices
✨ Crafting a unique magic system inspired by pandemic wish fulfillment and the desire to escape
✨ Why creative rest is vital and why not writing can sometimes be the most productive thing
✨ Navigating debut life with HarperCollins and learning the business behind the books
✨ Reader favorites: the beloved lemur “Cuddles,” grumpy witches, and libraries full of monsters
✨ The challenge of writing a complete story in one book—and the dream of returning to the world
✨ Sneak peek into her next standalone about a girl who can cancel magic
✨ Rapid-fire fun: The God of Death’s Swiftie playlist, magical dating app bios, and “Library of Doom” theme park rides 🎢

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Sasa Hawk – IG: @SasaHawkAuthor
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

💫 Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you laugh, rethink what rest really means, or add Unlock the Dark to your TBR, leave us a review — it helps more fantasy lovers find The Mythic Mic!

From its tropical world inspired by The Little Mermaid and Moana to its emotionally layered heroine and morally gray love interest, Whit's series blends fierce feminine rage, immersive world-building, and the kind of slow-burn tension that will haunt you long after the last page.

Whit opens up about her writing journey—from early drafts and world-building obsession to the surprising success of her ocean-bound saga—and gives us a peek into her upcoming projects, including the Sea of Vows and Silence sequel and a brand-new dystopian romance brewing on the horizon.

🧜‍♀️ What if The Little Mermaid took place in a tropical paradise built on secrets and curses?
🔥 What if your enemies-to-lovers romance burned with betrayal, loyalty, and redemption beneath the waves?
🌊 And what if the ocean itself became a character with a will of its own?

We discuss how Whit blends mythic inspiration with emotional depth, what she’s learned from the book community, and why she believes imperfection is part of every writer’s magic.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ The spark that turned A Sea of Song and Sirens from an idea into a published series
✨ How Uprooted by Naomi Novik inspired Whit’s first fairy tale retelling
✨ World-building secrets and the balance between research and imagination
✨ Why Whit loves the “guy uses his body as a shield” trope (and why we need more of it!)
✨ Advice for new writers: why your first draft should never be perfect
✨ The role of feminine rage, isolation, and identity in Maren’s journey
✨ Exclusive hints about Book 4 and Whit’s upcoming dystopian romantasy
✨ Rapid-fire fun: favorite tropes, Swiftie confessions, emoji pairings, and Kai’s theme song

📚 CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Whit Stanfield – IG: @WhitStanfieldAuthor
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you dream of faraway seas, fall for a cursed hero, or crave your next romantasy read, leave us a review—it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic!

From seven manuscripts and years of querying to two international preempt offers in less than 48 hours, Marina shares the long road that led to her “yes.” Behoved follows Bianca, a chronically ill noblewoman, whose arranged marriage to a prince goes wildly off-script when—oops—he’s magically transformed into a horse on their wedding night. What follows is an unforgettable mix of romance, comedy, and unexpected courage.

🗝️ What if your groom turned into a horse before you could say “I do”?
🔥 What if the marriage you never wanted became the story you couldn’t stop writing?
💐 And what if cozy fantasy could still tackle real-world struggles with heart and humor?

We dive into the inspiration behind Behoved, how Marina built Bianca’s voice to feel real and relatable, the business side of publishing no one talks about, and what it’s like balancing romance, comedy, and chronic illness representation in fantasy. This episode is a must-listen for readers who love whimsical, heartfelt stories and aspiring authors chasing their own big break.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ The seven-manuscript journey that led to Marina’s debut
✨ How market timing and persistence finally landed her an agent, and the whirlwind of receiving two preempt offers within 48 hours
✨ Chronic illness representation and why Bianca’s story matters
✨ The comedic heart of Behoved—including “the horse scene” that started it all
✨ What happens after an editor says “yes” (spoiler: it’s not just one round of edits)
✨ Comparisons to My Lady Jane and other magical romantic comedies
✨ Rapid-fire fun: karaoke choices, cursed prince Amazon purchases, and ideal candle scents 🐎

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Marina Stevenson – IG: @MStevensonBooks
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod
🛒 Order Behoved wherever books are sold.

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you laugh, cheer for an underdog, or want to add a magical rom-com to your TBR, leave us a review—it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

From a childhood spent around the world to crafting a realm torn apart by gods, magic, and political tension, Gretchen takes us deep into her creative process. What began as a “what if the girl was the overpowered one?” idea became a sweeping romantasy filled with deadly trials, elemental magic, and characters you’ll want to protect (and occasionally yell at).

🗝️ What if your greatest ally was raised to destroy you?
🔥 What if the only way to save someone was to enter the same deadly trials that once stole the love of your life?
🌑 And what if embracing your own darkness was the only path forward?

We dive into the world of Smoke and Scar, explore Gretchen’s love for flipping tropes on their head, and unpack the emotional heart beneath the magic, battles, and banter. This one’s for every fantasy reader who craves lush worldbuilding, slow-burn romance, and heroines who could definitely win in a tavern brawl.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Growing up across continents and how it shaped Gretchen’s storytelling voice
✨ The meandering path from her 2012 dystopian debut to Smoke and Scar
✨ The “overpowered fey heroine saves the guy” twist that sparked the book
✨ The Arcane Crucible: deadly trials designed to unite enemies
✨ Why Smoke and Scar is “LOTR meets The Serpent and the Wings of Night”
✨ Flipping romantasy tropes: shadow mommy + golden retriever knight energy
✨ How to keep writing when the self-doubt creeps in

📚 GIVEAWAY ALERT: We’re giving away a signed paperback of Smoke and Scar (U.S. only) and a paperback copy for our international listeners! We're also giving away a special edition of Smoke and Scar from Aurora Crate! Follow us on Instagram for entry details.

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Gretchen Powell Fox – IG: @gretchenpowellfox
🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland

✨ If this episode made you want to pick up a sword, enter a deadly trial, or befriend a shadow-wielding heroine, please rate & review The Mythic Mic—it helps more listeners join our epic quest!

From bike rides to the tiny one-square-mile Massachusetts island where she grew up, to a scrappy self-published novel in college that paid off her loans, Julie walks us through a career built on persistence, creativity, and big, bold ideas. Windweaver is a war-scarred, elemental romantasy about prophecies, outlawed magic, and a heroine named Rhea who is literally taken by the wind. Expect lush worldbuilding, emotionally messy growth, and a trilogy that only gets bigger from here.

🌬️ What if the one lyric stuck in your head became the heart of your novel?
🌊 What if magic had been outlawed—and the only way to restore it was to reunite four scattered elemental beings?
🔥 And what if the parts of you that you fear most turned out to be your greatest strength?

We dive into the inspiration behind The Wind Weaver, Julie’s wild marketing stunts (think giant book covers at iconic locations), her unexpected Sunday Times #1 moment, the elemental system, and why book two raises the stakes even higher. If you love character-driven fantasy with elemental magic, complicated choices, and a heroine learning to own her darkness, this episode is for you.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Julie’s island-child upbringing and how the ocean shaped her imagination
✨ Writing her first novel in college, self-publishing in 2013, and paying off loans before graduation
✨ How agents found her and how foreign rights led to wider visibility
✨ Why magic was outlawed in Julie’s world—and the prophecy that could bring it back
✨ Marketing creativity: lugging a giant Wind Weaver cover around landmarks 
✨ Writing craft: drafting in past tense, flipping to present for publication, and converting later drafts 
✨ What Julie wants readers to feel: owning the parts of yourself that scare you (and how darkness can be strength)
✨ What to expect next

🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT
We’re giving away a special edition copy of The Wind Weaver! Full entry details are on our Instagram — follow along so you don’t miss it.

📖 Follow Julie Johnson – IG: @author_julie
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod
🛒 Order Windweaver and explore the Reign of Remnants trilogy wherever books are sold.

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you want to feel the sea breeze, plot familial prophecies, or immediately dive into a new elemental world, leave us a review — it helps other readers find The Mythic Mic.

From fantasy realms filled with reformed demons and slayer academies to a heart-tugging, swoon-filled rockstar romance that’s already breaking hearts in the best way, Kate takes us deep into her writing journey. What started as a beachside book slump turned into a trilogy, a traditional publishing deal with Berkley, and now an emotional, music-infused contemporary romance that’s ready to steal the stage.

🗝️ What if the book you desperately wanted didn’t exist—so you wrote it yourself?
🎤 What if a single concert sparked an entire novel?
💔 And what if reclaiming your dream meant risking everything—including the safety of staying small?

We dive into the world of If Not For My Baby, explore the fantasy roots that shaped Kate’s storytelling voice, and unpack what it means to let go of the path you thought you had to follow in order to chase the one you really want. This episode is for every book lover who’s ever felt stuck, scared, or ready for a second chance.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How A Court of Thorns and Roses (and a really bad book slump) launched Kate’s writing career
✨ Why she wrote her first book purely for herself—and what happened next
✨ How A Dawn of Onyx went from indie darling to a Berkley-trad deal trilogy
✨ What inspired If Not For My Baby—and why this rockstar romance hits deep
✨ Chronic illness, invisible battles, and why stories like Clementine’s matter
✨ Letting go of dreams, rediscovering them, and falling hard when you least expect it
✨ Writing fantasy vs. contemporary: dragons, demons, and...tour buses?
✨ The Buffy-core dark academia fantasy coming next in Half City
✨ Legos, panic attacks, and the killer tangerine (don’t worry—we explain)
✨ A rapid-fire round that includes book hoards, Beauty and the Beast libraries, and stuck-in-an-elevator fears 😱

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Kate Golden – IG: @kategoldenauthor
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🛒 Order If Not For My Baby and the full Sacred Stones series wherever books are sold.

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode hit you in the feels, gave you dream-chasing chills, or made you swoon over poetic Irish rockstars, leave us a review—it helps more listeners find their way to the Mythic Mic.

From deadly trials to rom-coms and polar bears (yes, really), Nisha shares the winding, inspiring journey that led her from engineering school to the fantasy shelves of thousands. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving author career, balance creativity with market demands, or keep writing even when the odds feel stacked against you—this is your episode.

🗝️ What if your first book didn’t sell … and your second didn’t either? 💥 What if you made your own success while publishing said no? 🔥 And what if a South Asian fantasy heroine took back her power one page at a time?

We go behind the scenes of Nisha’s bestselling series, explore why enemies to lovers and morally gray women resonate so deeply, and talk about how female friendships, internalized misogyny, and hard-won autonomy shape her unforgettable heroines. Bonus? We get a sneak peek at Nisha’s dystopian YA with Red Tower’s new imprint—and her spicy new rom-com Not Safe for Work.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How Nisha went from engineering and burned-out tourism marketer to full-time bestselling author.
✨ What indie publishing taught her about grit, growth, and knowing your market.
✨ The art of balancing creativity with strategy—and why your first book probably won’t be the one.
✨ Why Trial of the Sun Queen is The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games with dragons and soul.
✨ Complex women, fierce loyalty, and the politics of writing heroines.
✨ How switching genres made space for her contemporary debut.
✨ What happens when you put a confident female engineer in a room with her nemesis—and there’s only one bed 😏
✨ Sisterhood, villains, soap theft, and PowerPoint-worthy rage.
✨ A rapid-fire round that involves half-naked men, evil Instagram takeovers, and polar bear lodges. 🐾

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Nisha J. Tuli – @nishajtwrites
🎙️ Follow host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland
🛒 Order Trial of the Sun Queen, Heart of Night and Fire, Cursed Captors Series, and Not Safe for Work wherever books are sold

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode left you feeling inspired (or mildly obsessed with dragons and ragey PowerPoints), leave us a review—it helps the magic reach more mythic ears.

🌑 What if your magic was tied to destruction?
☀️ What if freedom meant burning everything down to start again?
🖤 And what if finding yourself meant facing your worst nightmares—and still choosing love?

Rachel gives us the inside scoop on how her powerful, slow-burn series took shape, the mental health themes woven throughout her characters’ arcs, and what it means to write fantasy that embraces both ruination and redemption. We also dive into tropes (hello, grumpy/sunshine and enemies to reluctant allies!), character trauma, writing dual POVs, and her writing process.

Oh, and did we mention… there’s a GIVEAWAY you don’t want to miss? 👀

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How Rachel’s dark and hopeful fantasy world was shaped by themes of mental health and recovery.
✨ The meaning behind the book titles—and how light and dark are more connected than we think.
✨ Tropes we love: reluctant heroes, elemental magic, forced proximity, and the battle between fate and free will.
✨ How Rachel's chaotic writing brain actually helps her build emotional plot arcs.
✨ The reader reactions that have blown her away—and what’s next on her publishing path.
✨ Plus, an impromptu playlist discussion and a rapid-fire round with fun chaos ⚔️🎶

🌟 ENTER THE “OF DARKNESS AND RUINATION” GIVEAWAY 🌟
To celebrate this episode, Mythic Mic and Rachel Fallon have teamed up to give away a book box fit for a chosen one:

📚 A signed copy of Of Darkness and Ruination
📖 Bookmarks
🎁 Art prints and stickers

📅 Giveaway ends May 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT
HOW TO ENTER: Follow @BethanyinFantasyland on Instagram for full entry details!

CONNECT WITH US:
📖 Follow Rachel Fallon – @rachelfallonauthor
🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast and Host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland

🛍️ Order Of Darkness and Ruination and Of Light and Freedom on Amazon (or wherever books with magic and mayhem are sold!)

✨ If this episode sparked something inside you, don’t forget to rate & review! Every share helps this podcast reach more romantasy readers and brings more magic (and giveaways!) to your feed.

🗝️ What if your one-night stand didn’t end with regret… but with a kidnapping to a cursed fairytale realm? 🌹 What if Belle was your grandmother—and the real story wasn’t the one in the storybooks? ❄️ And what if rediscovering yourself meant stepping into the cold, cursed dark… and falling in love?

Kate takes us behind the scenes of her enchanting new series, The Enchanted Legacies, and opens up about what it means to start over at 30, why she intentionally wrote a fantasy for women who grew up on portal stories, and how character art (including the spicy kind!) adds a whole new layer to the reading experience. We also geek out over libraries, Libba Bray, and the YA fantasy books that shaped us.

Oh, and did we mention there’s a magical GIVEAWAY? Stay tuned. 👀

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ Why A Thorn in Every Heart is the grown-up fantasy you didn’t know you needed
✨ How Beauty and the Beast and Anastasia inspired Kate’s icy, star-lit fantasy world
✨ The magical elements behind Alix and Daemon's slow-burn, bodyguard romance
✨ Why the heroine being almost 30 matters—and what it says about the future of the genre
✨ Tropes galore: one bed, one horse, “touch her and die,” secret identities, found family, and more
✨ The surprise of reader fandom and the real hustle behind indie author life
✨ How genre boundaries in publishing are changing—and what it means for authors
✨ Spicy character art, winter vibes, and fairy tales with a twist
✨ A rapid-fire round that includes a cat sidekick named Sushi 🐱

🌟 ENTER THE “THORN IN EVERY HEART” GIVEAWAY 🌟
To celebrate this dreamy episode, Mythic Mic is hosting a special giveaway that includes:

📚 A sprayed edge paperback of A Thorn in Every Heart
✍️ A signed bookplate
👜 A fairytale-themed tote bag
📖 Bookmarks + magical Beauty and the Beast-inspired merch

📅 Giveaway ends April 11, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT

HOW TO ENTER: Follow @MythicMicPod on Instagram for details.

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Kate King – @katekingauthor
🎙️ Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast and Host Bethany Amanda – @MythicMicPod and @BethanyinFantasyland
🛍️ Order A Thorn in Every Heart on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Thorn-Every-Heart-Enchanted-Legacies-ebook/dp/B0DNNDGMST) or Barnes and Noble (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-thorn-in-every-heart-kate-king/1146578948) 

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode cast a spell on you, leave us a review—it helps bring more magic (and more giveaways!) to your ears.

🌙 What happens when an entire world is forced into six months of magical sleep?
💀 What secrets lie in a dream realm that no one remembers?
🔥 And how does one woman’s forbidden power change everything?

Rowyn gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her mesmerizing world, where an entire kingdom is forced into seasonal sleep—and their stolen time may not be as empty as they believe. She dives into the inspiration behind her dream realm, spills details about her characters (including a fan-favorite who swears too much and stabs first, asks questions later), and gives us a glimpse into what’s next.

Oh, and did we mention there’s a giveaway? Stay tuned. 👀

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…

✨ How a totally random tailgating event sparked the idea for Of Withering Dreams (yes, really!)
✨ The eerie law that forces an entire population into hibernation
✨ Magic, portals, and the unexpected science behind Rowyn’s fantasy world
✨ The tension, secrets, and swoon-worthy moments of the book’s romance
✨ How Rowyn’s background in social work influenced her themes of resilience and found family
✨ The struggles (and triumphs) of indie publishing—and why it’s like having three jobs at once
✨ Her advice for aspiring authors (including how to break through writer’s block)
✨ And of course… a round of rapid-fire questions

🔥 ENTER THE WITHERING DREAMS GIVEAWAY 🔥

To celebrate this epic episode, Rowyn is giving away an exclusive ebook copy of Of Withering Dreams, which includes a bonus epilogue from one of the male character's POV. 

HOW TO ENTER: For entry details, visit https://mythicmic.com or follow @MythicMicPod on Instagram. 

📅 Giveaway ends March 25, 2025. 

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Rowyn Adelaide – @AuthorRowynAdelaide
🎙 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast and Host Bethany Amanda – @MythicMicPodcast and @BethanyinFantasyland
📚 Grab your copies of Of Withering Dreams – https://www.amazon.com/Withering-Dreams-Fantasy-Romance-Embered-ebook/dp/B0DKVF1TX7

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps bring more magic (and mischief) to your ears!

💫 What happens when a powerless goddess defies the gods?
🔥 What’s the cost of love when curses are real?
⚔️ And why is book two bringing us one of the most delicious enemies-to-lovers rivalries we’ve ever seen?

Randi takes us inside the world of The Fragile Divine series, a mythic, darkly romantic saga where gods rule with an iron grip, love is a dangerous game, and fate always has the final say. She spills the behind-the-scenes secrets of her worldbuilding, talks about the inspiration behind her characters (and their heartbreak), and gives us exclusive teasers for book two—including the chaotic, snarky, and utterly scorching dynamic between the High God of Death and Curses and a rebellious necromancer.

And did we mention a giveaway? Oh yeah. A big one. Keep reading. 👀

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT...

✨ How a PB&J sandwich mishap in second grade sent Randi down the path to writing (seriously, you need to hear this story!)
✨ The Greek & Asian mythology mashup that shaped The Fragile Divine series
✨ Why The Goddess Of was almost titled something else (and how Randi figured out her heroine’s destiny along the way)
✨ Curses, love, and divine power struggles—the major themes of the series
✨ The forbidden romance that will rip your heart out (but in the best way!)
✨ What to expect in Even in Death (including one of the spiciest enemies-to-lovers rivalries we've ever seen!)
✨ Randi’s favorite authors & the books that destroyed her soul (in a good way!)

And of course, we end the show with some wild rapid-fire questions where Randi reveals:
💀 Which fantasy universe Naia would get thrown into for 24 hours (and how she’d survive?)
📺 What would be the biggest scandal on the gods’ version of Keeping Up with the Kardashians?
🚗 What would Naia's ridiculous vanity license plate say?
📣 How Ronin and Naia would accidentally go viral?

🔥 ENTER THE ULTIMATE FRAGILE DIVINE GIVEAWAY 🔥

To celebrate this epic episode, Randi is giving away a must-have PR package featuring:
📚 SIGNED copies of The Goddess Of and Even in Death
🎨 Exclusive character art from top fantasy artists
✨ Special trinkets & surprises straight from the world of The Fragile Divine

HOW TO ENTER: For entry details, visit https://mythicmic.com or follow @MythicMicPod on Instagram. 

📅 Giveaway ends March 18, 2025. 

CONNECT WITH US:

📖 Follow Randi Garner – @RandiMGarner
🎙 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast and Host Bethany Amanda – @MythicMicPodcast and @BethanyinFantasyland
📚 Grab your copies of The Goddess Of & Even in Death – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCL38SZK?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin

✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps bring more magic (and mischief) to your ears!

Welcome to the first episode of The Mythic Mic Podcast, where legends come to life, myths intertwine with reality, and fantasy is more than just a story! Today, we have an absolutely magical episode lined up with debut author Jenny Grimes, whose upcoming romantasy novel, Shaedes of Power, is already stealing hearts with its dark Tinkerbell and Thumbelina vibes. If you love enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and powerful heroines, this is the episode for you! 💫📖

🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Jenny’s love for Harry Potter, Eragon, and The Lord of the Rings led her to create her own magical world
• The hierarchy of color magic in Shaedes of Power and why it’s unlike any other fae romantasy you’ve read 🌈✨
• The two swoon-worthy love interests—the sweet human and the dark and broody prince (we all know which one we’re falling for 😏🔥)
• Why Opal, the heroine, is stuck between worlds, searching for her power and place in the realm
• The inspiration behind the stunning cover art and its hidden symbolism
• A major book surprise that Jenny has kept a secret…until now! 👀

📢 Special Giveaway Alert! We’re giving away two signed copies of Shaedes of Power! Want in? The giveaway runs from 11:00 am EST March 5, 2025 to 11:59 pm EST March 11, 2025. The winners will be announced on The Mythic Mic's social media channels on March 12, 2025. 📚💜 You can find all of the entry details on Instagram @MythicMicPod. 

🔥 Bonus Content for Digital Readers! Jenny drops an exclusive reveal: a bonus chapter from Edmund’s POV (and let’s just say…Chapter 19 is already iconic 👀🔥).

📆 Release Date: March 11, 2024 Get ready to enter the Shaedes of Power universe with multiple books planned, ensuring plenty of romance, magic, and heart-stopping twists to come! ✨

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Preorder Shades of Power: https://www.amazon.com/Shaedes-Power-Dark-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DJPJGD52
• Follow Jenny Grimes on Instagram: @author.jennygrimes
• Add Shaedes of Power to Your Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220226251-shaedes-of-power
• Learn More About Jenny Grimes and Her Books on Her Website: https://authorjennygrimes.com/ 
• Enter the giveaway! Follow @MythicMicPod on Instagram for the giveaway details and rules. 
• Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast on Instagram: @MythicMicPod 
• Follow Host Bethany Amanda on Instagram: @Bethanyinfantasyland 
• Want to be on the Show? Apply Here: https://form.jotform.com/242758564047061

🎙 Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and get ready for more legendary episodes coming your way! 🚀✨

If you're obsessed with epic worlds, unforgettable characters, sweeping romance, and the craft behind it all, you're exactly where you're meant to be! 📖

✨ What You'll Find on The Mythic Mic Podcast ✨

We've designed this podcast around three core segments, so whether you're a reader, writer, or both, there's something here for you. Our core segments include: 

🗡️ Mythic Voices — Our author interview series featuring indie authors, bestselling voices, and rising stars in fantasy and romantasy.
🔮 Magic Behind the Draft — For aspiring authors and early-stage writers, this segment dives into the craft, tools, and resource that help bring stories from idea to page.
📖 Inside the Grimoire — Our reader-focused deep dive segment, where we celebrate and discuss the stories we can't stop thinking about, including book deep dives, monthly reading roundups and recommendations, fandom conversations, and more. 

🌟 Giveaways, Community & How to Get Involved 🎁

At Mythic Mic, we believe in celebrating stories and the people who create and love them. We host giveaways alongside many of our episodes, including signed books, special and sprayed-edge editions, fantasy-themed merch, and more! We also host rep team opportunities throughout the year. Keep an eye on our socials for giveaways, rep openings, book read-alongs, and more! 

✨ Don’t Miss Out!

✅ Subscribe & follow to never miss an episode!
✅ Follow Us on Instagram @MythicMic, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill 

🎙️ Press play and step into the magic!