The Fresh Fiction Podcast

What happens when a mathematician becomes a playwright, then a novelist, then an Afrofuturist — and writes a murder mystery where the detective is a dog who can travel across dimensions? You get Andrea Hairston. In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, host Samantha Tennant talks with Andrea about her latest novel, THE REDEMPTION CENTER IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS — an extra-dimensional murder mystery featuring alien tricksters, a Saint Bernardoodle named Una who can smell lies and cross dimensions, and a community of people navigating romance, secrets, and the physics of the unexplainable. Andrea shares how decades in theater — directing, playwriting, and teaching — shaped the way she writes fiction: show don’t tell, every prop matters, and when something unexpected shows up on your stage, make it the best part of the play. She explains why she writes the dog as a dog (not a person in a dog suit), why mystery is at the core of every dramatic story, and how the ”magic if” of science fiction gives her room to push characters somewhere they couldn’t go otherwise. The conversation also covers Afrofuturism as a present-tense practice, her lifelong parallel track between science and art, the DVDs she’ll one day donate to a library, and her current work-in-progress — a secondary world fantasy about a queen of misrule whose single day of power changes everything. Subscribe to the Fresh Fiction newsletter for weekly new-book picks, author interviews, and reader events: freshfiction.com/newsletters.php

What does it take to write a book that keeps readers up at night — and then survive the chaos of getting it published? In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, host Samantha Tennant sits down with author Liz Alterman for a wide-ranging conversation about her new psychological suspense novel A Different Type of Poison, the art of crafting the perfect slow-burn thriller, and the messy, hilarious, deeply human journey behind her writing career. Liz opens up about losing her job — and her identity — and how a throwaway question at a local writing workshop changed the course of her life. She shares what it’s really like to write across genres (suspense, mom-com, YA, memoir), handle stacks of contradictory rejection letters, and balance a book-within-a-book without losing your mind. Plus: Liz’s favorite fictional villain, her gas station snack order, and why jaywalkers are her number-one pet peeve. Whether you’re a thriller reader, a writer in the trenches, or just someone who finds their neighbors slightly unsettling — this one’s for you.

Episode Topic: Body-Positive Regency Romance, Author Collaboration, Historical Romance Publishing What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How the Busty Bodice Club collaboration came together • What it’s like to write a shared story with multiple bestselling authors • Why body-positive heroines matter in historical romance • The differences between traditional and indie publishing • How creative freedom is reshaping Regency romance today Featured Authors: • Cathy Maxwell – NYT & USA Today bestselling author • Eliana Piers – Indie historical romance author Books & Series Mentioned: • Curves for the Rival Duke • Curves for the Grumpy Duke • Busty Bodice Club Regency Romance Series Perfect For Readers Who Love: • Regency romance with dukes • Curvy, confident heroines • Friends-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine tropes • Collaborative romance projects • Feel-good, escapist historical fiction

What happens when two acclaimed authors decide to write a book together only if it’s fun? In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Hutton—the pen name of Julie Buxbaum and Adele Griffin—to talk about their dark romance novels STRIKE AND BURN and AX AND GRIND. We dig into how their collaboration started as a playful Google Doc experiment, why dark romance can be deeply cathartic for readers, and how writing to surprise each other reignited their creativity. From genre stigma to cozy blankets, AI sex scenes to emotional healing, this conversation is thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly honest. Perfect for romance readers, aspiring writers, and anyone curious about what happens when talented creatives stop playing it safe.

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant interviews debut author Brisa Carleton about her acclaimed novel LAST CALL AT THE SAVOY. Brisa shares how a forgotten historical figure inspired her story, why she secretly wrote her first novel, and how her Broadway background shaped her approach to storytelling. From the legendary Savoy Hotel to the power of women reclaiming their stories, this conversation is filled with insight, humor, and inspiration for readers and writers alike.

In this festive holiday episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha sits down with bestselling author Andrew Grey to talk about his moving, dog-centered Christmas romances — including THE GIFT OF THE MALTIPOO — and the joy and emotional depth behind writing stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Andrew shares: • how he writes prologues from a dog’s perspective • the emotional heart of the Rescue Me universe • why gay romance has evolved beyond coming-out stories • the deep support he’s found in the romance community • the real-life love story that fuels every book • his favorite holiday traditions (including his legendary 600-bird Christmas tree!) This warm, funny, and heartfelt episode is the perfect companion for the season — whether you’re baking cookies, wrapping gifts, or cuddling up with your favorite holiday read.