Talk Spicy to Me is a podcast where bestselling romance authors Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling go rogue and talk all things romance — the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. From behind-the-scenes writing stories and industry myths to swooning over messy book boyfriends and the spiciest reads, nothing is off limits. Grab your favorite drink, curl up in your reading nook, and get ready — it's about to get spicy.
Talk Spicy To Me
Claim This Podcastby Giana Darling and Kandi Steiner
4.7(17 reviews)
20 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
Talk Spicy to Me is a podcast where bestselling romance authors Kandi Steiner and Giana Darling go rogue and talk all things romance — the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between. From behind-the-scenes writing stories and industry myths to swooning over messy book boyfriends and the spiciest reads, nothing is off limits. Grab your favorite drink, curl up in your reading nook, and get ready — it's about to get spicy.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/24/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Talk Spicy To Me
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
March 18, 2026
Building Author Friendships & Writing Community | Talk Spicy to Me
<p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQOvxobSCgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEr8aG0goAuwFXZWxjb21lIGJhY2sgdG8gVGFsayBTcGljeSB0byBNZTogVGhlIHBvZGNhc3Qgd2hlcmUgdHdvIGJlc3RzZWxsaW5nIHJvbWFuY2UgYXV0aG9ycyBnbyByb2d1ZSBhbmQgdGFsayBhbGwgdGhpbmdzIHJvbWFuY2U6IHRoZSBnb29kLCB0aGUgYmFkLCB0aGUgdW5iZWFyYWJseSBob3QsIGFuZCBldmVyeXRoaW5nIGluIGJldHdlZW4uhq/GhtIKuwENc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA==","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in 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data-monday-block-id="8cabc895-5157-48bb-97ad-4f9f88c12c5d" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false" data-monday-block-doc-id="39043197">Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.</p> <p>In this season finale episode, Kandi and Giana discuss the realities of life in the publishing trenches, the importance of genuine author friendships, what really happens at writing retreats, and answer reader questions about writing and the romance genre.</p> <p>The podcast will return this summer after Giana begins maternity leave.</p> <p> </p> <p>Timestamps:</p> <p>00:00 – Season finale announcement & Giana starting maternity leave early</p> <p>01:36 – Life in the indie publishing trenches</p> <p>08:45 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster</p> <p>10:07 – The Spice Report (current reads, shows, and obsessions)</p> <p>27:58 – Kandi's word of the year: "Rooted"</p> <p>30:11 – Industry advice: building genuine friendships</p> <p>32:25 – Why meeting in person matters ("vibe checks")</p> <p>43:56 – What really happens at writing retreats</p> <p>52:58 – How to organize your own writing retreat</p> <p>01:08:17 - Sponsor: Brittanee Nicole</p> <p>01:12:59 – Red Flag / Green Flag trope discussion</p> <p>01:18:11 – Reader question: why write romance?</p> <p>01:23:29 – Book club discussion: Deep Pockets by Nana Malone</p> <p>01:35:29 – Final Bump-Date</p> <p> </p> <p>BOOK CLUB PICK</p> <p>Deep Pockets by Nana Malone</p> <p>Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers</p> <p>Link: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://nanamalone.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://nanamalone.com/</a></p> <p>Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th.</p> <p> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AAA=","deltaFormat":[],"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr"}" data-monday-block-id="3265c880-06a3-4808-a96c-ddcfa389d395" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQOgjrKdDgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEoI6ynQ4AD1NFQVNPTiBTUE9OU09SU4agjrKdDg8Nc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA==","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"SEASON SPONSORS","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr"}" data-monday-block-id="155f91be-c560-480a-a35d-fffc43357cbc" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>SEASON SPONSORS</p> <p>Brittanee Nicole</p> <p>Darling Daffodils Farm :<a href= "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808533/darling-daffodils-farm-a-hope-harbor-novel-by-brittanee-nicole/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808533/darling-daffodils-farm-a-hope-harbor-novel-by-brittanee-nicole/</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.brittaneenicole.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.brittaneenicole.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittaneenicole/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/authorbrittaneenicole/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Lena Hendrix</p> <p>Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/chasingthesun1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://geni.us/chasingthesun1</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.lenahendrix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.lenahendrix.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix</a></p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQOI7snXBgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEiO7J1wYADFdpbGxvdyBBc3RlcoaI7snXBgwNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA==","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"Willow Aster","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr"}" data-monday-block-id="be1503a8-5808-4deb-bf95-a3663e100cf6" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>Willow Aster</p> <p>What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/WhatItTakes" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://geni.us/WhatItTakes</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.willowaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.willowaster.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/</a></p> <p> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQOlk7/ZBAAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEpZO/2QQAFldIRVJFIFRPIEZJTkQgRVZFUllPTkWGpZO/2QQWDXNhbml0aXplZFNpemUEbnVsbAA=","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr"}" data-monday-block-id="50cf63be-3ba0-4b85-a312-e5a6c63da52f" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE</p> <p>Talk Spicy to Me</p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast</a></p> <p>Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p>Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p> </p> <p>HOSTS</p> <p>Giana Darling</p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://gianadarling.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://gianadarling.com/</a></p> <p>Kandi Steiner</p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://kandisteiner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://kandisteiner.com/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)</p> <p>Want the extended, unfiltered conversation?</p> <p>Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed.</p> <p>Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content:</p> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.</p>
March 11, 2026
The Anatomy of a Romance Bestseller w/ Liz Tomforde | Talk Spicy to Me
<p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"deltaFormat":[{"insert":"Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"base64Encoded":"AQOwtJ3qAgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEsLSd6gIAuwFXZWxjb21lIGJhY2sgdG8gVGFsayBTcGljeSB0byBNZTogVGhlIHBvZGNhc3Qgd2hlcmUgdHdvIGJlc3RzZWxsaW5nIHJvbWFuY2UgYXV0aG9ycyBnbyByb2d1ZSBhbmQgdGFsayBhbGwgdGhpbmdzIHJvbWFuY2U6IHRoZSBnb29kLCB0aGUgYmFkLCB0aGUgdW5iZWFyYWJseSBob3QsIGFuZCBldmVyeXRoaW5nIGluIGJldHdlZW4uhrC0neoCuwENc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA=="}" data-monday-block-id="344a9e32-fdf8-4cf1-b8e7-77f685a4ce34" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false" data-monday-block-doc-id="38698882">Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.</p> <p>In Season 2, Episode 9, the hosts are joined by bestselling romance author Liz Tomforde to break down the anatomy of a bestseller.</p> <p>They also share personal updates, reality TV obsessions, and the importance of author friendships while navigating pregnancy, publishing, and the chaos of a writing career.</p> <p> </p> <p>Liz Tomforde</p> <p>Upcoming Release: In Her Own League</p> <p><a href="https://liztomforde.com/in-her-own-league" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://liztomforde.com/in-her-own-league</a></p> <p>Website - <a href="https://liztomforde.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://liztomforde.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram - <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/liztomforde.author/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/liztomforde.author/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: <a href= "https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe</a></p> <p> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[],"base64Encoded":"AAA="}" data-monday-block-id="b7bf205e-ed68-4f67-b667-59d353d0a67e" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"TIMESTAMPS","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"base64Encoded":"AQP2kt+JCgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKE9pLfiQoAClRJTUVTVEFNUFOG9pLfiQoKDXNhbml0aXplZFNpemUEbnVsbAA="}" data-monday-block-id="b5ec5a3a-c86c-4743-9865-b91988fbc500" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>TIMESTAMPS</p> <p>00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me</p> <p>01:05 – Pregnancy updates & baby shower weekend</p> <p>02:06 – Prenatal classes and unexpected anxiety</p> <p>03:07 – Why friendships matter in pregnancy and writing</p> <p>04:15 – Season sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster</p> <p>05:20 – Surprise guest reveal: Liz Tomforde</p> <p>17:39 – The Spice Report</p> <p>17:45 – Kandi's obsession: Below Deck</p> <p>21:38 – Giana's obsession: Bridgerton</p> <p>25:46 – Liz's obsession: Love Is Blind</p> <p>28:57 – The Anatomy of a Bestseller</p> <p>32:49 – Why characters are the heart of a great romance</p> <p>37:49 – Avoiding self-insert characters</p> <p>38:89 – Writing empathy into character choices</p> <p>40:14 – Purposeful pacing and emotional tension</p> <p>44:45 – Building highs and lows in storytelling</p> <p>46:26 – Adding compelling elements beyond the romance</p> <p>51:03 – Conflict as the "bones" of a bestseller</p> <p>01:17:50 – Red Flag / Green Flag</p> <p>01:22:28 – Reader Question</p> <p> </p> <p>BOOK CLUB PICK</p> <p>Deep Pockets by Nana Malone</p> <p>Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers</p> <p>Link: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://nanamalone.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://nanamalone.com/</a></p> <p>Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th.</p> <p> </p> <p>SEASON SPONSORS</p> <p>Lena Hendrix</p> <p>Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/chasingthesun1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://geni.us/chasingthesun1</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.lenahendrix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.lenahendrix.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix</a></p> <p> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[],"base64Encoded":"AAA="}" data-monday-block-id="683e2390-e5fa-4f96-80f1-7a108871bf2e" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"Willow Aster","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"base64Encoded":"AQOl0rSwCgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEpdK0sAoADFdpbGxvdyBBc3Rlcoal0rSwCgwNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA=="}" data-monday-block-id="17ee2018-6258-45d0-86c2-95b286731884" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>Willow Aster</p> <p>What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/WhatItTakes" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://geni.us/WhatItTakes</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.willowaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.willowaster.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE</p> <p>Talk Spicy to Me</p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast</a></p> <p>Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p>Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[],"base64Encoded":"AAA="}" data-monday-block-id="a3dc1d39-c134-4b01-9549-6796bacc780d" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"HOSTS ","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"base64Encoded":"AQPD16WdDgAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEw9elnQ4ABkhPU1RTIIbD16WdDgYNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA=="}" data-monday-block-id="4fa79efb-4782-4a2d-9863-1733bdeb25f8" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p>HOSTS</p> <p>Giana Darling</p> <p>Intagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://gianadarling.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://gianadarling.com/</a></p> <p>Kandi Steiner</p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://kandisteiner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://kandisteiner.com/</a></p> <p>🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)</p> <p>Want the extended, unfiltered conversation?</p> <p>Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed.</p> <p>Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content:</p> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.</p>
March 4, 2026
Boundaries, Burnout & Publishing Deals w/ Shanora Williams | Talk Spicy to Me
<p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQPtvMz3BQAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKE7bzM9wUAuwFXZWxjb21lIGJhY2sgdG8gVGFsayBTcGljeSB0byBNZTogVGhlIHBvZGNhc3Qgd2hlcmUgdHdvIGJlc3RzZWxsaW5nIHJvbWFuY2UgYXV0aG9ycyBnbyByb2d1ZSBhbmQgdGFsayBhbGwgdGhpbmdzIHJvbWFuY2U6IHRoZSBnb29kLCB0aGUgYmFkLCB0aGUgdW5iZWFyYWJseSBob3QsIGFuZCBldmVyeXRoaW5nIGluIGJldHdlZW4uhu28zPcFuwENc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQRudWxsAA==","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me: The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"yjsUpdate":{"0":1,"1":3,"2":237,"3":188,"4":204,"5":247,"6":5,"7":0,"8":6,"9":1,"10":9,"11":116,"12":101,"13":120,"14":116,"15":66,"16":108,"17":111,"18":99,"19":107,"20":13,"21":115,"22":97,"23":110,"24":105,"25":116,"26":105,"27":122,"28":101,"29":100,"30":83,"31":105,"32":122,"33":101,"34":6,"35":34,"36":49,"37":54,"38":112,"39":120,"40":34,"41":132,"42":237,"43":188,"44":204,"45":247,"46":5,"47":0,"48":187,"49":1,"50":87,"51":101,"52":108,"53":99,"54":111,"55":109,"56":101,"57":32,"58":98,"59":97,"60":99,"61":107,"62":32,"63":116,"64":111,"65":32,"66":84,"67":97,"68":108,"69":107,"70":32,"71":83,"72":112,"73":105,"74":99,"75":121,"76":32,"77":116,"78":111,"79":32,"80":77,"81":101,"82":58,"83":32,"84":84,"85":104,"86":101,"87":32,"88":112,"89":111,"90":100,"91":99,"92":97,"93":115,"94":116,"95":32,"96":119,"97":104,"98":101,"99":114,"100":101,"101":32,"102":116,"103":119,"104":111,"105":32,"106":98,"107":101,"108":115,"109":116,"110":115,"111":101,"112":108,"113":108,"114":105,"115":110,"116":103,"117":32,"118":114,"119":111,"120":109,"121":97,"122":110,"123":99,"124":101,"125":32,"126":97,"127":117,"128":116,"129":104,"130":111,"131":114,"132":115,"133":32,"134":103,"135":111,"136":32,"137":114,"138":111,"139":103,"140":117,"141":101,"142":32,"143":97,"144":110,"145":100,"146":32,"147":116,"148":97,"149":108,"150":107,"151":32,"152":97,"153":108,"154":108,"155":32,"156":116,"157":104,"158":105,"159":110,"160":103,"161":115,"162":32,"163":114,"164":111,"165":109,"166":97,"167":110,"168":99,"169":101,"170":58,"171":32,"172":116,"173":104,"174":101,"175":32,"176":103,"177":111,"178":111,"179":100,"180":44,"181":32,"182":116,"183":104,"184":101,"185":32,"186":98,"187":97,"188":100,"189":44,"190":32,"191":116,"192":104,"193":101,"194":32,"195":117,"196":110,"197":98,"198":101,"199":97,"200":114,"201":97,"202":98,"203":108,"204":121,"205":32,"206":104,"207":111,"208":116,"209":44,"210":32,"211":97,"212":110,"213":100,"214":32,"215":101,"216":118,"217":101,"218":114,"219":121,"220":116,"221":104,"222":105,"223":110,"224":103,"225":32,"226":105,"227":110,"228":32,"229":98,"230":101,"231":116,"232":119,"233":101,"234":101,"235":110,"236":46,"237":134,"238":237,"239":188,"240":204,"241":247,"242":5,"243":187,"244":1,"245":13,"246":115,"247":97,"248":110,"249":105,"250":116,"251":105,"252":122,"253":101,"254":100,"255":83,"256":105,"257":122,"258":101,"259":4,"260":110,"261":117,"262":108,"263":108,"264":0}}" data-monday-block-id="fc6861c0-0d25-49e7-ab6d-e4e0065f1c4c" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false" data-monday-block-doc-id="38387101"><strong>Welcome back to Talk Spicy to Me:</strong> The podcast where two bestselling romance authors go rogue and talk all things romance: the good, the bad, the unbearably hot, and everything in between.</p> <p>This week, we're joined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shanora Williams for an honest, vulnerable conversation about boundaries, burnout, publishing contracts, and whether you can actually balance it all as a modern author.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Shanora Williams</strong></p> <p>New York Times & USA Today bestselling author known for emotionally immersive romance across contemporary and high-stakes worlds.</p> <p>Upcoming Release: Mayhem and the Mortal: <a href= "https://www.shanorawilliams.com/mayhemandthemortal" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.shanorawilliams.com/mayhemandthemortal</a></p> <p>Website - <a href="https://shanorawilliams.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shanorawilliams.com</a></p> <p>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyshanora/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/reallyshanora/</a></p> <p>Amazon: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanora-Williams/author/B00BHQUULU" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shanora-Williams/author/B00BHQUULU</a></p> <p>💬 Got a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it here → Send us a voice message on SpeakPipe: <a href= "https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.speakpipe.com/TalkSpicytoMe</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p> <p>00:00 – Welcome to Talk Spicy to Me</p> <p>01:01 – Chaos, travel, deadlines & overwhelm</p> <p>02:56 – Season Sponsors: Lena Hendrix & Willow Aster</p> <p>04:10 – Introducing Shanora Williams</p> <p>07:02 – Indie vs Traditional Publishing Speed</p> <p>09:11 – Protecting Yourself in Publishing Contracts</p> <p>10:27 – Why You Shouldn't Accept Every Deal</p> <p>11:43 – Turning Down a Major Publisher (And Why It Paid Off)</p> <p>12:44 – The Spice Report</p> <p>13:27 – Interview with the Vampire</p> <p>18:50 – Night of the Seven Kingdoms</p> <p>21:26 – Wuthering Heights Film Adaptation</p> <p>22:20 – Can You Actually Balance It All?</p> <p>25:51 – Productivity Guilt & Burnout</p> <p>27:11 – "Rest Is Productive"</p> <p>31:07 – The Irregular Life of an Author</p> <p>37:10 – Series Deep Dive: Anna B. Doe</p> <p>40:10 – Motherhood & Writing with Three Kids</p> <p>45:40 – The Invisible Load Women Carry</p> <p>49:00 – Delegation & Building a Support System</p> <p>01:13:49 – Red Flag / Green Flag</p> <p>01:17:40 – Reader Question: Steamy Scenes</p> <p class="monday-block-1" contenteditable="true" data-monday-block-type="1" data-monday-block-content= "{"base64Encoded":"AQOPx8DPCQAGAQl0ZXh0QmxvY2sNc2FuaXRpemVkU2l6ZQYiMTZweCKEj8fAzwkADkJPT0sgQ0xVQiBQSUNLho/HwM8JDg1zYW5pdGl6ZWRTaXplBG51bGwA","deltaFormat":[{"insert":"BOOK CLUB PICK","attributes":{"sanitizedSize":"16px"}}],"alignment":"left","direction":"ltr"}" data-monday-block-id="ab4e2530-017f-4c12-bbce-e0103a7063ef" data-monday-block-collapsed="undefined" data-monday-block-is-collapsed-header="false"> </p> <p><strong>BOOK CLUB PICK</strong></p> <p>Deep Pockets by Nana Malone</p> <p>Tropes for that book: Mafia/Assassin romance, Best friend's sister, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers</p> <p>Link: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Pockets-Forced-Proximity-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DDGX814Q</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/nanamalonewriter/</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://nanamalone.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://nanamalone.com/</a></p> <p>Join us for the Deep Pockets deep dive on March18th.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>SEASON SPONSORS</strong></p> <p><strong>Anna B Doe</strong></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annabdoe/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/annabdoe/</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.annabdoe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.annabdoe.com/</a></p> <p><strong>Lena Hendrix</strong></p> <p>Chasing the Sun (Star Harbor, Book 1)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/chasingthesun1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://geni.us/chasingthesun1</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.lenahendrix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.lenahendrix.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/authorlenahendrix</a></p> <p><strong>Willow Aster</strong></p> <p>What It Takes (Windy Harbor Series, Book 2)</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://geni.us/WhatItTakes" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://geni.us/WhatItTakes</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.willowaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.willowaster.com/</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/willowaster/</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>WHERE TO FIND EVERYONE</strong></p> <p>Talk Spicy to Me</p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/talkspicytomepodcast</a></p> <p>Spotify/Apple: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p>Youtube: @talkspicytomepodcast</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>HOSTS</strong></p> <p><strong>Giana Darling</strong></p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/gianadarlingauthor</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://gianadarling.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://gianadarling.com/</a></p> <p><strong>Kandi Steiner</strong></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner</a></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://kandisteiner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://kandisteiner.com/</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>🔥 AFTER DARK (Patreon Exclusive)</strong></p> <p>Want the extended, unfiltered conversation?</p> <p>Each week's After Dark mini-episode dives deeper into topics we don't cover on the main feed.</p> <p>Join the Patreon for early access and bonus content:</p> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkSpicytoMePodcast</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Listen, watch, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes, author conversations, and honest discussions about romance, publishing, and storytelling craft.</p> <p> </p>
20 total episodes available
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