Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast

Lea Vale is the author of Blue Sky Black, a dual-timeline recent history romance that takes place, in part, on 9/11/2001. We talk about writing recent history, especially recent traumatic history, into romance, we also discuss the power of the HEA, and we chat about her NHPR show, Check This Out!

So I want to be clear here that we discuss 9/11 on and off throughout the episode. Both of us witnessed the attacks on New York and the aftermath, so that perspective might be difficult or upsetting to listen to. We don’t get too much into the particulars, but we do discuss what is and what isn’t present in different accounts. Please look after yourself.

You can find this episode on YouTube as well.

Music: purple-planet.com
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It’s time machine time! We’re going back to June 2007 to look at the Ads & Features in Romantic Times magazine. This one’s got some gawdawful letters to the editor and some equally heinous responses, and we are prepped for battle.

First, we talk about cereal. As you do.

And I have a Content Warning! At about 20 minutes into our conversation, we start talking about this awful letter to the editor. Please be advised there is some rank homophobia on display here.

Watch us on YouTube!
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By listener request! My guest today is author and professor Jodi McAlister. You might remember Jodi from her appearance in episode 626 when we talked about her Marry Me Juliet trilogy, set within a fictional version of The Bachelor.

Now she’s in the middle of a new trilogy she’s calling Love Notes, and we’re going to discuss the latest book, A Study in Sparkling. We’re going to discuss learning a TON about wine, and about writing romance set within the terrifying world of academia. Then I come to find out she’s done recent published research on erotic audio dramas, and about the bonkbusters of the 80s.

Special thanks to Josephine for requesting this interview and asking such thoughtful questions!

You can find Jodi McAlister at her website, jodimcalister.com.au.
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We’re going back to 2007 to take a look at the new releases in Romantic Times Magazine, and we’re so glad you’re joining us! We’ve got kooky books, taxidermy, chick lit, and a new entry into the character name hall of fame. Strap in, it’s getting weird.

At about 38 minutes in, Amanda’s track started having some kind of digital echo. I did as much as I could to adjust it, and I'm so sorry for the quality.

Music: purple-planet.com
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Adib Khorram’s new book, Isn’t He Romantic, is out this week, so of course I wanted to ask many questions about it.

This is the third in a trilogy about three queer Iranian American friends, and our conversation touches on some of the themes of the book, such as aging and ageism in the gay community, reclaiming fun games from your youth, and about trends in m/m romance currently.

You can find Adib Khorram on his website, AdibKhorram.com!

We also mentioned:
Podcast: Adib on the Culture Study podcast discussing heartthrobs
YouTube: Adib on The Gaily Show
Interview: Adib on the APALA site
Stonewall Sports!
We Need Diverse Books
Romancing the Craft
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Young the Giant: Victory Garden
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