Welcome to LiteraryScape’s Podcast!
The LiteraryScape podcast serves both readers and writers of historical Christian romance with a sprinkling of contemporary Christian suspense books. We read, discuss, review, and rate books in this unique romance sub-genre. For authors, we bring inside tips and tricks from those who have gone before us. LiteraryScape is the one stop shop for both readers and authors to connect, learn, and grow together.
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Things are Changing
In this episode Jessica and Melissa discuss the third novel in Julie Lessman’s Heart of San Francisco series titled Surprised by Love. This love story features Bram and Megan. Their love moves from friendship to lovers and the change is scary and challenging for both of them.
Love, Humor, and Twists oh my!
In this episode Jessica and Melissa discuss the second book in Julie Lessman’s Heart of San Francisco series titled Dare to Love again. This love story is stocked full of twists, humor, inspiration, and romance.
Handling Sensitive Topics in Christian Fiction
In this conversation, Sara R. Turnquist and Melissa discuss various aspects of writing, including researching historical events, handling sensitive topics in Christian fiction, and the importance of bringing hope and light into the world through writing. Sara also shares information about her latest book and her role in the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.
For Love or Money?
In this episode Jessica and Melissa discuss Julie Lessman’s book Love at Any Cost. This is the first book in her Heart of San Francisco series. We dig into Jamie and Cassidy’s relationship from the time he runs her over to when he finally wins her heart.
Interview with Author Sarah Sundin
In this conversation, author Sarah Sundin discusses her Sunrise at Normandy series and her approach to writing historical Christian romance. She emphasizes that while she starts with characters and plot, the reader takeaway is what the reader finds in the story, which may be different from what the author intended. Sarah also shares her favorite characters and scenes from the series and the emotional connection she felt while writing them. She discusses her research process and the importance of being focused and avoiding rabbit trails. Sarah concludes by sharing her upcoming book and how readers can connect with her.
Selling, Not Telling: The Art of Pitching Novels
In this conversation, Lindsay shares valuable insights on how to pitch novels and ourselves as authors. She emphasizes the importance of selling, not telling, and provides a formula for crafting a compelling pitch. Lindsay also highlights the significance of pitching ourselves before pitching our projects and offers tips on introducing ourselves effectively. She encourages authors to find their people by being specific about the kind of books they write. Lindsay also discusses the spiciness level in books and the importance of being clear about it in pitches and book descriptions.
Reunited
In this episode Tiffanie, Mom, and Melissa discuss The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin. This is the final book in her Sunrise at Normandy series. In this novel Sarah brings the series to an unforgettable end making it our favorite story in the entire series. I hope you enjoy our discussion!
For His Glory
In this episode Tiffanie, Mom, and Melissa discuss The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin. This is the second book in her Sunrise at Normandy series. We loved Adler and Violet’s love story and hope you enjoy our discussion and stories!
A Debt Already Paid
In this episode, Tiffanie, Mom, and Melissa discuss the first book in Sarah Sundin’s Sunrise at Normandy series, The Sea Before Us. We really enjoyed reading and discussing this book. It was a great kickoff to this series. There are spoilers, so if you have not read this book yet, you may hold off on listening to this episode.
How Ghostwriting Can Boost Your Income with Kent Sanders
In this conversation, Melissa interviews Kent Sanders about ghostwriting. Kent shares his journey into ghostwriting and explains the process and purpose of ghostwriting. He discusses the differences between ghostwriting fiction and nonfiction and the level of collaboration involved.
No Longer a Heart of Stone
In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa discuss the third and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s Savage Wells series, Wyoming Wild. Hawk finally gets his love story and we get to revisit the many citizens of Savage Wells that we have grown to love.
How to Build Your Author Platform with Thomas Umstattd
In this conversation, Thomas shares valuable insights on building an author platform from scratch. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a website, which serves as a foundation for online presence. Thomas also highlights the significance of creating an email newsletter to grow a subscriber base. He suggests writing short stories as a means to improve writing skills and engage readers. Additionally, Thomas advises against relying on social media for platform building and instead recommends social media advertising. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on writing quality to create a buzz and generate word-of-mouth marketing.
A Tender Love Story
In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa discuss Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden. We enjoyed the second book in Sarah’s Savage Wells series. Check out our topics of discussion below.
A Town Can Only Have One Sheriff
In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa revisit Sarah M. Eden’s book Sheriffs of Savage Wells.
We read this book a year or two ago and we brought it back because the final book in the series released in 2023. This was the book the drew Jamie and I into the historical romance genre. We highly recommend it.
Let’s Talk Cover Design
In this conversation, Melissa interviews Hannah Linder, a cover design artist and author, about the importance of cover design for books. Hannah shares her background in writing and cover design and discusses the key elements of a cover design, including visual appeal, consistency with the genre, legible text, simplicity, and accurate depiction of the story or message.
Interview with Author Beth White
Beth White discusses her inspiration for the Daughtry House series, which was a combination of personal experiences, publisher suggestions, and historical research. She wanted to explore the Reconstruction period and the complexities of racial and cultural interactions during that time. The series follows three sisters with different personalities and perspectives as they navigate the challenges of post-Civil War Mississippi. Beth based some of the characters on real historical figures and wove in elements of truth and history throughout the books. She also shares her favorite characters and her current project, a World War II series.
The Unexpected
In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss Beth White’s novel A Reckless Love. This is the last book in her Daughtry House series. Mysteries that began in book one are wrapped up in an unexpected but satisfying way.
Topics we discuss:
• Clothing choices for women.
• Finding a man of God.
• We have but one reputation.
• Redemption
Author Advice with Robin Lee Hatcher
In this episode of the Literary Scape podcast, host Melissa interviews author Robin Lee Hatcher. She shares her marketing strategies, lessons learned in the writing industry, and top resources for writing. Finally, Robin offers advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of reading, writing consistently, and not rushing to publish.
Never Settle in Marriage
In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss the second book in Beth White’s Daughtry House series, The Reluctant Belle. Joelle and Schuyler’s love story has some very unexpected events.
Love at First Sight
In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss A Rebel Heart by Beth White.
Topics we cover:
• The kind of man women want.
• Turning to God in everything.
• Telling the devil to take a hike.
• The perplexing character Grandmama.
• The importance of knowing our history.
• What we love about Levi.
• Sweet love stories.