Fiction Fanatics

This week we are taking a re-read on the episode "The Fanatics Have a New Best Friend, Meet Kate Goldbeck!". We hope you enjoy a look back on one of our favorite episodes with one of our favorite people!Hey Nerds, have you ever wondered what it's like to leap from the world of fanfic to the shelves of your local bookstore? The enchanting Kate Goldbeck joins us to recount her metamorphosis from fanfiction aficionado to the author of the bewitching novel "You Again." We wade through the complexities of reimagining beloved characters for a whole new audience, and the shift from the fanfic community's embrace to the terrain of traditional publishing. Kate's insights illuminate the dedication required to breathe new life into well-loved tropes and the delicate balance of staying true to the fanfic spirit while courting mainstream success.If you're hankering for a tantalizing tale of love, laughter, and the occasional sprinkle of life's bittersweet symphonies, Kate's "You Again" is a rendezvous you won't want to miss. Join us for a podcast episode that's a love letter to storytelling, a toast to personal growth, and, above all, a tribute to the books that make us swoon.***Produced by Jen Hardin***

Our Fan Cub President Miguel has being watching the Harry Potter series for the first time, crazy we know! Check out our new bonus episode series were we get Miguels thoughts and opinions on the Harry Potter series! Step into our enchanting conversation on 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' as Lindsay and Miguel, our two whimsical guests, stir the potion of debate and adoration for the series. With Miguel's fresh eyes casting a critical spell and Lindsay's deep-rooted Potterhead knowledge, we conjure a rich brew of insights. From the portrayal of creatures and wizarding schools to the nuances of character development and the series’ alignment with the ages of its characters, we tap into the very essence of the magical world that's captivated us for decades.

Hey Nerds! We hope you are excited to discuss our favorite book of the year so far, Bride by Ali Hazelwood!This episode is a testament to the power of names—whether they're mispronounced or carry an unexpected depth, they have a way of enriching our discussions and keeping us on our toes. We ponder over the idiocy of love, finding ourselves both amused and exasperated by the heartbreaks and knots of drama our beloved characters endure. The engaging banter between Chanel and Stacy brings out the hilarity and humanity in each twist and misunderstanding, proving that even supernatural beings can have their own share of ordinary woes.Summary:A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.*Summary from Goodreads****Produced by Jen Hardin***

Hey Nerds! We hope you are excited to discuss our favorite book of the year so far, Bride by Ali Hazelwood!As we flipped open the pages of "Bride" by Ali Hazelwood, the sweet scent of nostalgia for those fanfiction-laden, Tumblr-drenched days of 2012 was undeniable. Get whisked away on our latest literary adventure, where we explore the intentionally hazy world-building that keeps you anchored to the characters' vibrant stories. We've got the lowdown on the Omega verse and nodding practices, and trust us, they make for a stirring read. Summary:A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.*Summary from Goodreads****Produced by Jen Hardin***

Hey Nerds, Chanel can't make it this week so our friend Cole stepped in! Our nerdy hearts are on full display as we swap tales of chemistry wizardry, taco nights infused with science, and deep dives into the 'Dune' universe. We'll also shine a spotlight on the enchanting force of Harry Potter fanfiction, marvel at the delightful absurdity of modern vampires in New Jersey, and ponder the delicate art of adapting beloved stories for the screen. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to reflective appreciations of the friendships forged through podcasting. With Cole's insights as a photographer and pharmacist, we're capturing life's special moments in more ways than one. So, come share in the camaraderie and leave feeling like part of the gang!

Ever wondered if you're more of a vampire enthusiast or a werewolf warrior at heart? We're stirring the pot of pop culture this week with a playful examination of these nocturnal beings, starting with a throwback to the '80s classic "Teen Wolf." Prepare your inner bookworm for a treat as we dive into Ali Hazelwood's "Bride," our tantalizing book of the month. With its promise of vampires, werewolves, and sizzling enemies-to-lovers antics, it's a literary feast you won't want to miss. Our discussion meanders through the moonlit lore of pop culture's most beloved werewolves, from Harry Potter's Remus Lupin to "Teen Wolf's" charming shapeshifters. Hollywood has given us many faces of the supernatural, but none as enduring as these furry heartthrobs, whose legacies we explore amidst tales of personal celebrity run-ins and on-screen portrayals that have us hotly debating their seductive allure.

Ever found yourself drawn into the magnetic world of a fantasy series, only to become embroiled in the lives of its characters like they're old friends? That's exactly what happened to us with Sarah J. Maas's 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series. As we jump into the fray, we're dishing out a feisty analysis of Feyre's journey and her complex relationships, comparing it to the fervor of Maas's 'Throne of Glass'. From our first impressions swayed by the book's buzz to our evolving perspectives on character likability, we're dissecting what makes these fictional beings tick and how they capture our hearts—or sometimes don't.Get ready to explore part two of this amazing series Nerds!Summary:When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.At least, he’s not a beast all the time.As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.*Summary from Goodreads****Produced by Jen Hardin***

Ever found yourself drawn into the magnetic world of a fantasy series, only to become embroiled in the lives of its characters like they're old friends? That's exactly what happened to us with Sarah J. Maas's 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series. As we jump into the fray, we're dishing out a feisty analysis of Feyre's journey and her complex relationships, comparing it to the fervor of Maas's 'Throne of Glass'. From our first impressions swayed by the book's buzz to our evolving perspectives on character likability, we're dissecting what makes these fictional beings tick and how they capture our hearts—or sometimes don't.Get ready to explore part one of this amazing series Nerds!Summary:When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.At least, he’s not a beast all the time.As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.*Summary from Goodreads****Produced by Jen Hardin***

Get ready Nerds and plug in, because we're celebrating Gallentines Day with a heart-filled episode of romance and fantasy! Our conversation whirls from the sticky-sweet intricacies of romance novel tropes to the intoxicating allure of dark fantasy romances.  Plus, we're dissecting our slow-burn book of the month—patience, dear listeners, good things come to those who wait for worlds to build. Whether it's a classic enemies-to-lovers setup or an unexpected werewolf-vampire romance, rest assured we've got the hot takes and the hearty laughs to fuel your literary fire.  Curl up and join us for a journey through the pages of our lives and bookshelves, where laughter is abundant, and every story is an ode to the things we love most.

Chanel, Ashley, and Stacy do not discuss a book this episode but we do get in to fantasy books with our special guest Nora! Join us, where each page turn in our discussion unveils the celebration of love in its myriad forms and the connection we find within the fictional worlds we adore.Follow us at https://instagram.com/fanficfanaticspod?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=,  https://www.facebook.com/fanficfanaticspod/, and https://twitter.com/Fanfic_Fanatics.