Kissing Books Critique

About Kissing Books Critique

Your place for step-by-step editing of our work, line by line in some cases, big picture in others. We talk about what works and what doesn't, from adverbs and passive voice to deep POV and character motivation, we cover it all, in context, in action. Hosts: Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder and Jenna McCall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Jenna McCall, Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder

Category

arts · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Dec 2023

Latest episode

30 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Getting Wet for the Wrong Reasons (A Positioning Problem)

   Vicki's brought us a deliciously wet romance meet-cute that's got positioning issues—and we're not talking about the steamy kind. Between crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and one mysterious Frenchman who's definitely giving Aquaman vibes, we're drowning in "eyes running over" problems and romance characters who can't figure out if they're horizontal or vertical. Expect passionate manuscript critique debates about shaky breaths that come out "harder than expected" (phrasing, Vicki!), why you can't "remember" someone's voice from thirty seconds ago, and the eternal romance writing question: when throat gravel makes your pulse dance, do you really need to tell us it's "making" it happen? Come for the French rescue fantasy, stay for three indie romance authors collectively losing it over vague writing. Warning: contains therapeutic wine, deadline panic, and multiple instances of "that's not specific enough, darling." Kissing Books Critique: Where indie romance authors get real-time manuscript feedback with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Rough Hands and Slippery Decks

   Romance writing craft meets underwater chaos in this manuscript critique session for indie authors and aspiring romance writers. Vicki's chapter delivers a delicious meet-cute scene, but we're diving deep into writing craft fundamentals: scene logistics, character movement, dialogue formatting, and point of view techniques that every romance author needs to master. Learn essential writing skills as we tackle common manuscript problems: personified descriptions that don't work, repetitive word choices (goodbye "shoved" and "tightened eyes"), setting clarity issues, and dialogue mechanics. Perfect for new writers struggling with line editing, experienced authors facing developmental editing challenges, and anyone working on romance novel manuscripts or contemporary fiction. Our live critique covers romance genre conventions, reader expectations, indie publishing standards, and traditional publishing craft requirements. From underwater scene choreography to tattoo descriptions that build sexual tension, we're breaking down the technical writing elements that separate amateur manuscripts from professional romance novels. Essential topics for writers: POV consistency, character description techniques, environmental storytelling, romance trope execution, editing process management, and overcoming writer's block. Plus practical advice on manuscript submission processes, beta reader feedback, and meeting publishing deadlines while maintaining craft quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   21 Aug 2025

   Hockey Romance Breakthroughs

   We're deep in hockey romance territory this week as the group tackles a submission featuring contract clauses, curse words in French Canadian, and one very good dog named Clyde who's clearly the real star of this critique session. From the mysterious "Clause 53B" (which we're definitely stealing for our own books) to the eternal struggle of making characters move through scenes without sounding like robots, this episode has everything: pen-twirling coaches, emotional family baggage, and the age-old question of when dialogue tags help versus when they just get in the way. Expect passionate debates about the phrase "coach's assumption," why "I cut through the air with one hand, sharp" needs more context (and definitely shouldn't involve jerking motions), and the fine art of the rule of three when your character is having an emotional breakdown. Plus: the ongoing battle against overused words, why Etienne needs to put down that pen for dramatic effect, and how Clyde the dog is basically providing masterclass-level scene direction just by existing. Come for the hockey drama, stay for the group's collective obsession with making every sentence earn its place on the page. Fair warning: contains multiple references to masturbation concerns, French Canadian authenticity checks, and at least one moment where we all get distracted by a very good boy who might deserve a cookie. Kissing Books Critique is the podcast where indie romance authors get real-time manuscript feedback from fellow writers who know the genre inside and out. Whether you're struggling with enemies-to-lovers dynamics, trying to nail authentic dialogue, or wondering why your editor keeps flagging the same issues, our live critique sessions break down romance writing craft with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Perfect for new romance writers, indie authors seeking community, and anyone who wants to improve their writing while laughing at the beautiful disasters we all create on the page. Join our group of romance authors as we lovingly dissect submissions, celebrate breakthrough moments, and prove that the best writing advice comes from writers who've been exactly where you are now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32