August Bonus Episode

August Bonus Episode

August 31, 2026 · 1h 54m

About this episode

In this August bonus episode, the hosts interview bestselling authors about the craft of writing suspense and fantasy novels, exploring character development and emotional themes.

In part one this August bonus episode, Bianca connects with bestselling author Ann Garvin to unpack the craft behind her suspense novel, Tell to Friends . They dive into building tension from page one, planting curiosity seeds that keep readers turning pages, writing unforgettable dual POVs, and making every scene work harder. Ann also shares why she shelved this novel for nearly a decade before the publishing world was finally ready for its unique blend of suspense, humor, and heart. Stay tuned! Jennifer Michelle Herrera returns to the podcast to talk about her new novel, Siren Says , and her leap from thriller to fantasy. She shares how grief shaped the book’s themes of magic, wonder, and resilience, and how extensive research into botany and Welsh folklore helped bring its world to life. Jennifer also gets into the craft behind the novel—from finding the right opening and using outside readers to writing immersive scenes, sharp dialogue, and simmering sexual tension. Those of you interested in attending the All About Fantasy Virtual Retreat will want to get a sneak peek as Jennifer is one of the featured speakers! In the third interview of our August bonus episode, Bianca sits…

More episodes of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast page.