Interviews Episodes

Wendy welcomes Wanda M. Morris to discuss her new historical thriller ANYWHERE YOU RUN, what it takes to make the past come alive on the page, and finding joy and hope in dark books (and darker times).

Kristen is joined by author Kelly J. Ford to discuss her new Southern noir novel REAL BAD THINGS, the maddeningly minefield of apologizing as a woman, and why we’re in a golden age for writing weird queer shit.

Layne welcomes Courtney Summers to the show for a chat about her harrowing new novel I’M THE GIRL, the significance of writing about girls who are super gay for each other, and how to hype yourself (and your work) without apology.

Layne talks with Ashley Winstead about her absolutely badass new novel THE LAST HOUSEWIFE, the problem of female pleasure under the patriarchy, and how she stays sane by toggling between thrillers and romantic comedies.

Layne’s celebrating spooky season early with feminist horror author Gwendolyn Kiste! Tune in for their chat about Gwendolyn’s feminist as hell DRACULA meets JANE EYRE mashup RELUCTANT IMMORTALS, why women are so good at controlling our murderous urges, and what makes horror the ideal genre for rule-breaking, rage-fueled fiction.

Layne interviews Sarah Zachrich Jeng about her speculative feminist thriller THE OTHER ME, why selfishness is necessary to make art, and the men we should all watch out for.

Layne welcomes Amina Akhtar (and her celebrity pup Bean!) back to the show to talk about her new novel KISMET, the Christopher Columbusing of wellness culture, and why we’re all getting weirder.

Layne celebrates Hot Goth Summer with Isabel Cañas, author of THE HACIENDA (remember that Hot Priest book from our summer reads episode? This is it, bitches!). Plus: how the hell Isabel completed this book while also getting her PhD, why we all love a forbidden romance, and which classic Gothic heroine drove her so batshit crazy she had to rage-write about it.

Layne chats with author Margarita Montimore about her new novel ACTS OF VIOLET, writing stories based on your personal obsessions rather than what’s popular, and why success comes to those who stay stubborn as hell.

Layne talks to legendary thriller author Tess Gerritsen about the unlikeable female character she just couldn’t kill off, the secret to keeping a long-running series feeling fresh, and why older women make the best spies (and serial killers).

Kristen and Layne welcome multi-talented multi-genre author Sandra SG Wong for a chat about her new suspense novel IN THE DARK WE FORGET, the challenges of crafting a main character who has no idea who she is, and what it’s really like to road trip with a thriller writer.

Kristen and Layne chat with author Juno Dawson about her new novel HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL COVEN, how to create a truly inclusive magical world, and the eternal power of the Spice Girls.

Layne welcomes Hannah Whitten for a chat about her new sisterhood-centric fantasy novel FOR THE THRONE, the power of being your own biggest fan, and how Adam Driver brings people together.

Badass author (and actual ninja) Tori Eldridge returns to the show to discuss her new globe-trotting, century-spanning dark fantasy novel DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES, writing fiction that doesn’t give a damn about genre, and why power-hungry female characters can be so empowering.

This very special episode is an Unlikeable Female Characters first: a sneak peak at soon-to-be-premiered musical! Layne welcomes playwright and composer Hannah Gregory for a chat about her original folk musical based on WUTHERING HEIGHTS, classic unlikeable female character Cathy Earnshaw, and the perils of white feminism past and present.

Our own Wendy Heard returns to the show for a chat about her latest YA thriller DEAD END GIRLS, how to fake your own death for fun and profit, and what’s on her personal gay agenda.

Kristen and Layne are joined by authors Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson to chat about their new co-written YA mystery THE AGATHAS, why you should never underestimate a teenage girl, and the enduring cultural power of OG Plot Twist Queen Agatha Christie.

Layne hosts a rad roundtable with her YOUNG RICH WIDOWS co-authors Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan, and Vanessa Lillie. Find out how this literary supergroup teamed up to write a totally 80s thriller about an ex-model, a trophy wife, a stripper, and a brassy broad banding together after their spouses are killed in a suspicious plane crash. Plus: favorite unlikeable female characters of the Decade of Excess.

Kristen and Layne are joined by one of their all-time fave authors, Tara Isabella Burton, to discuss her new queer dark academia novel THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE, writing feverishly-intense female friendships, and what it means to claim the label “unlikeable” out loud.

Kristen and Layne welcome THE Kellye Garrett to discuss her new domestic suspense novel LIKE A SISTER.

Kristen and Layne chat with Bethany C. Morrow about her chilling new novel CHERISH FARRAH.

Kristen and Layne interview absolute legend Sara Gran about her new novel THE BOOK OF THE MOST PRECIOUS SUBSTANCE.

Kristen welcomes Unlikeable Female Characters' first-ever male guest, author John Copenhaver, to talk about his new novel THE SAVAGE KIND.

Layne chats with Rachel Harrison about her brand-new witchy feminist horror novel CACKLE.