Put your hands in the air for today's amazing guest! I am joined by the poet and debut author Hannah V. Sawyerr! Hannah joins me on the Try Reading Podcast to talk about her debut novel, All The Fighting Parts. We discuss the journey of publishing her debut, getting chosen for the Indie's Introduce Picks, what performing poetry live is like, how Hannah burned some of her arcs and so much more! Hannah’s Website: https://www.hannahsawyerr.com/ Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannsawy...
Jun 30, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Calling all baking fans! If you love The Great British Bake Off, Disneyland, and Latinx stories, this episode is for you. Today I have the honor of talking with Disney Adult and debut author, Jessica Parra! Jessica talks all about the inspiration and process of writing her debut novel; Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success, which kombucha is her favorite, what Disneyland ride she loves the most, how being a lawyer is similar to being an author and so much more!!! Jessica’s Website: https://www.jessica...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Do you want the inside scoop of what it's like to be a BookToker? Wanna know how to bring a book to Coachella? Or maybe you're curious about what it takes to self publish a poetry book? Listen to this week's fantastic episode with Kevin Tyler Norman aka @kevintnorman! Kevin is the author of Shelter, and he's a fabulous book content creator who joins me to talk all about his beginning to the book world, how he started a BookTok account, what it's been like, the inspiration for his self published ...
Jun 02, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Bridget Raymundo, aka @bridgelikesbooks, joins me on Try Reading today! Bridget joins me to talk about her experience as a BookToker and working in the publishing and bookselling world. Bridget also shares about her time on Canada Reads 2023, we discuss Timothée Chalamet, and much more! Bridget’s BookTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bridgelikesbooks?lang=en Bridget’s Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydearestsue/ Bridget’s Links: https://linktr.ee/bridgelikesbooks Bridget’s Twitter: https://tw...
May 19, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Today I am joined by none other than the amazing Robby Weber! Robby is the author of If You Change Your Mind, and his most recent novel, as of May 2nd 2023, is titled I Like Me Better. Robby talks about his introduction to the book world, the inspiration for both of his novels, the importance of keeping our planet healthy and safe, which Taylor Swift song is his favorite, and so much more! Robby’s Website: http://www.robbyweber.com/ Add What Is This Feeling? on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.c...
May 05, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 34
I am so honored to be joined by the award-winning middle grade author, Melanie Conklin! On today's episode we talk all about Melanie's shift from product design to writing, her middle grade novels, what middle school was like for Melanie, and so much more! Melanie’s Website: https://www.melanieconklin.com/ Add Crushed on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61926462-crushed?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15 Melanie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieconklinauthor/?hl=en Melanie’s Twitter: ...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 33
I am so honored to be joined by the fabulous Zoranne!! Today, Zoranne (or better known as @zoranne_ on BookTok) joins me to chat about her experiences as a BookToker! We talk all things reading as a young kid, what being a book content creator is like, which scenes from The Last of Us made us cry the most, which Schitt's Creek scenes play through our heads rent-free and so much more! Zoranne’s Links: https://linktr.ee/zoranne_host Try Reading Links: https://linktr.ee/tryreading...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 32
On episode 31, I am joined by the debut author, Page Powars! Page is the author of his debut novel, The Borrow a Boyfriend Club. Today Page and I talk all about his novel, what writing a book is like, how anime helped him become a writer, and best of all, dinosaurs, and so much more! Page’s Website: https://www.pagepowars.com/ Add The Borrow a Boyfriend Club on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59594706-the-borrow-a-boyfriend-club Preorder The Borrow a Boyfriend Club: https://booksh...
Mar 24, 2023•58 min•Season 2Ep. 31
On today's episode, I am joined by the wonderful @billreads! Bill is a BookToker but also the author of some amazing fantasy books. Join Bill and I as he talks about his beginnings on BookTok, the ups and downs of self-publishing, getting through your TBR and much more! Plus, Bill answers some rapid fire bookish questions! And if you were wondering why I didn't mention my current read in this episode, it's because my head was in the clouds and I forgot. But at the time of this recording I was re...
Mar 10, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this wonderful episode, I am joined by debut author and composer, Edward Underhill! Edward joins me to talk about his debut novel, Always the Almost, which is a celebration of queer and trans joy! We talk all things writing, book covers, being a New Yorker and more! Don't forget to read Always the Almost, it's out now! Edward’s Website: https://www.edward-underhill.com/ Purchase Always the Almost: https://bookshop.org/lists/episodes-26-29 Edward’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardun...
Feb 24, 2023•54 min•Season 2Ep. 29
This week I am joined by the wonderful debut author, Rod Pulido! Rod joins me to talk about his debut novel; Chasing Pacquiao, writing your truth, the best ube treats and more! Don't forget to read Chasing Pacquiao when it releases on May 2nd, 2023! Rod’s Website: https://www.rodpulido.com/ Add Chasing Pacquiao on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61897970-chasing-pacquiao Preorder Chasing Pacquiao: https://bookshop.org/lists/episodes-26-28 Rod’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...
Feb 10, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 28
The fabulous debut author and host of her own podcast, Elle Gonzalez Rose joins me today! We talk all about Elle's debut book, Caught in a Bad Fauxmance, releasing Fall 2023. Elle also talks about the inspiration for her novel, the marvelous world of fanfiction, and the importance of sharing a queer Latine story with the world. Elle’s Website: https://www.ellegonzalezrose.com/ Add Caught in a Bad Fauxmance on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60645436-caught-in-a-bad-fauxmance Elle’...
Jan 27, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 27
We're back for a new season of Try Reading! And today I am joined by the fantastic bookstagrammer Frank Socha, aka, @franksforeword! Frank talks about being a bookstagrammer, making content, how to stay away from the drama, and of course, we talk about some queer lit faves! Frank’s Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/franksforeword/ Frank’s Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/140706953 Try Reading Links: https://linktr.ee/tryreading...
Jan 13, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Today I am joined by the super awesome and inspiring middle-grade author, Lauren Magaziner! We talk about her life as an author and really get into the process of writing her fantastic books. There even happens to be a special guest cameo on this finale! Thank you everyone for supporting this podcast and I cannot believe how amazing these experiences have been. Fingers crossed for season 2! Lauren’s Website: http://laurenmagaziner.com/ Subscribe to Lauren’s Newsletter: laurenmagaziner.substack.c...
Dec 23, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Today I am joined by a friend of mine, a reader, and a lover of film, Emma Patalano. We talk about Emma's start to the book world, but our main focus is upcoming and already released book-to-screen adaptations. You don't want to miss this film and book-filled episode. If you are enjoying season one of Try Reading, spread the word! It helps the chances of there being a season two! Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmabubly9/ The Newspaper Emma works with: The GW Chronicle of the Yawp: ...
Dec 09, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Maddie, aka, @pages.and.quills is back for another episode! Today, we talk all about Heartstopper. We delve into the show, the books, the cast, Alice Oseman, and more! Maddie is such an amazing person and they share so many wise words on today's episode and they also explain why Heartstopper is such an important type of media. I loved recording this long-awaited episode and I am so happy everyone can listen to Maddie's stories! If you enjoyed this episode, and are liking this podcast, don't forg...
Nov 25, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Ahh!! I am so flicking excited to talk with today's guest. Maybe you've found out from my mer pun or the title, but it's the effervescent Jason June! Jason is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Jay's Gay Agenda, some adorable picture books and chapter books, and the finstant favorite- Out of the Blue! We talk about Jason's start to the writing world and how he decided to go from journalism to picture book writing, we gush over romances, some spectacular mer characters, and gay agendas. You...
Nov 11, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Today, the National Book Award-Winning and Bestselling author; Kacen Callender, joined me for episode 21! I learn about Kacen's beginning to the world of writing, their first published book, and what their advice for writing is. Our main topic is Kacen's most recent releases; Moonflower and Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution. I learn about the inspiration for these amazing books, what the writing process was like and what changes the books went through before they could be sold to the public. K...
Oct 28, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 21
If you grew up reading the Spy School books, the Fun Jungle books or any of Stuart Gibbs' books, you're in luck! My spectacular guest of episode 20 is none other than Stuart Gibbs himself! Stuart talks about how he had always wanted to be a writer, ever since first grade, when he wrote his first book. He tells me all about his journey from being a writer in film and TV to being a New York Times Bestselling author! Stuart gives some very special writing advice and tons of more amazing stories! I ...
Oct 14, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Ann Zhao is a college student, a debut author, and the latest guest on the Try Reading Podcast! Today, Ann joins me to discuss her debut novel, publishing in Winter of 2024; Dear Wendy. Dear Wendy is a YA contemporary novel about two college first-years who fued over who gives the best relationship advice on Instagram, only to meet in real life and discover, they both identify as aromantic and asexual. Ann's book already sounds amazing and I was so fortunate to have her on the podcast to talk ab...
Sep 30, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Will Taylor, the author of some spectacular middle-grade novels, such as Slimed, Maggie and Abby's Neverending Pillow Fort, The Language of Seabirds and more, joins me for episode 18! Will talks about his entry to being a writer and how he didn't always want to be one. He shares the process of publishing his first novel, and we talk a lot about his most recent release, The Language of Seabirds, which is a beautiful middle-grade novel. Will talks about his inspiration and how the title came from ...
Sep 16, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 18
It's been a while since a reader has been on the show. So today, I invited my good friend since second grade and avid reader, Laura Chin! Laura and I delve into her beginning to the world of books and reading, but our main focus is taking a stroll down memory lane. We talk about a lot of popular middle-grade novels from our time and what we thought about them. We also take a look at some middle-grade book-to-screen adaptations. Laura also talks about the amazing experiences books have given her ...
Sep 02, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Another BookToker and Bookstagrammer joins me today! Cam Prince, best known as, @paperbackprince on TikTok and @the_paperbackprince on Instagram sits with me to talk about his intro to BookTok, what it's been like, his reading upbringing as a young child, what reading means to him and so much more! He is such a cool person, and you'll love his stories. We even talk about some authors and titles that we think should be seen more on BookTok! Did I mention he loves Heartstopper? If you enjoy today'...
Aug 19, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 16
What would you do if you found a letter from the early 1900's in your wall? Let Eileen Grace Brill, today's guest, answer that for you! Eileen is a debut author, who's book; A Letter In The Wall, a historical fiction and thriller, which published on May 24th 2022, was inspired by an actual letter that was found in the walls of her home! Eileen talks about the process of writing her novel and what it was like telling the story of someone who was once a real person. She also talks about her book a...
Aug 05, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Have you ever wondered what BookTok is like? How the community works? Who makes all of these amazing book videos? Today's guest, Caroline Chen, can answer that! Caroline, otherwise known as @bookswithcaro on TikTok and Instagram, joins me for episode 14. I learn so much about BookTok from her, from, when she started on BookTok, to, what the community of Booktokers is like, to, what are their thoughts on Heartstopper? Caroline is such an amazing content creator and you won't want to miss their fa...
Jul 22, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Have you ever wondered what bookstagram is like? You'll learn so much from today's guest, Melissa Coast! Melissa is otherwise known as @stickynote_bookrecs on Instagram, and she gives her special take on what the bookstagram community is like, why she started book reviews and the true meaning of her username! Melissa is a true delight and her stories will make you smile. If you liked today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate the podcast five stars and have notifications on so you can get ...
Jul 08, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Listeners, do you like heartwarming romcoms? Or spine-chilling murder mysteries? Well, you’re in luck, because today, I get to chat with New York Times Bestselling author, Jenn McKinaly! Jenn is the author of many romance and mystery books and series. She is such a delight and there's a lot of laughs. Jenn talks about her introduction to books and what led her to become a librarian and study library science in college, she talks about how parts of her life are similar to characters' in her books...
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 12
On today's episode, I am joined by a very special guest, and for Pride Month too! Emery Lee, the author of Meet Cute Diary and Café con Lychee, and one of my favorite authors in the world, joins me for episode 11. We talk about some great topics; how Emery grew to love writing, what eir inspiration was for Meet Cute Diary and Café con Lychee, what e looks for in romance novels when coming up with ideas, what e might be working on next, and tons more! If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget ...
Jun 10, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Woah! It's the 10th episode! I can't believe it's been ten amazing episodes and now we're into double digits. And what better way to celebrate an amazing podcast, then with the most amazing guest! Today, I am joined by Maddie, otherwise known as @pages.and.quills on Instagram and YouTube. Maddie is the first bookstagrammer on the podcast and I am so lucky to have had them join me. We get to talk about so many great things; why she started bookstagram, what the world of being a bookstagrammer is ...
May 27, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On today's episode, I get to sit down and chat with Kellye Garrett. Kellye is the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, and IPPY award winning author for her Detective By Day lightweight series. She is also the author of Like A Sister, which was released on March 8th, 2022. Our main focus of the episode today, is talking about the creation and process of Like A Sister, a gripping, fast paced, mystery novel set in New York City. We talk about how Kellye got the idea for Like A Sister, why sister dynamics are s...
May 13, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 9
