Book Dragon Banter: Podcast Behind the Scenes & Future Writing Goals

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine talk about their experiences and goals for the future of the podcast. We discuss the upcoming end of our first season, initial trials, and plans for season two, including a new fantasy series deep dive, book club accessibility on Fable, potential guests, and possible format changes. We also share personal writing goals, favorite reads, and insights into our unique writing processes. Join us as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to an exciting future!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-and-stories/#elatsoe

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Books Mentioned:

Hellbent by Leigh Bardugo

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

The Dreamer Trilogy By Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater

Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme

01:33 Podcast Goals and Future Plans

02:10 Book Club and Series Deep Dive

04:02 Guest Appearances and Episode Frequency

06:34 Writing Inspirations and Favorite Books

15:34 Writing Goals and Challenges

19:20 Writing Goals and Obsessions

20:09 Postponing the Book and New Inspirations

22:59 Writing Process and Self-Criticism

28:24 Book Challenges for 2026

34:16 Fable Book Club and Writing Retreats

36:28 Bloopers and Fun Moments

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Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading Goals

With this New Year's episode of Book Dragon Banter, we dive into reflections on the past year, discuss our favorite fantasy reads, and set new reading goals for 2026. Join us as we explore personal traditions, like picking a 'word of the year,' and share how these practices have impacted our lives and writing journeys. We'll also reveal our exciting book challenges for 2026, chat about books that have deeply moved us, and provide some great reading recommendations. Stay tuned for more interactive opportunities with our book club on Fable. Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Diverse Fantasy Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Books Mentioned:

The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang

Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews

A Study in Charlotte Series by Brittnay Cavallaro

Jackaby Series by William Ritter

Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Beware of Chicken by Causualfarmer

Mother of Learning Series by Domagoj Kurmaić

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The Leveling Up Series by K. F. Breene

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Change

00:32 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter

01:04 New Year's Traditions and Reflections

02:09 Choosing a Word for the Year

03:27 Empowerment and Momentum

07:11 Books That Made an Impact

10:07 Favorite Reads and Recommendations

22:16 The Joy of Book Clubs

24:36 Discovering New Reads and Balancing Genres

25:26 Reading Goals and Achievements

26:03 The Struggle with DNF (Did Not Finish)

28:04 Setting New Reading Goals for 2026

29:07 Tracking Reading Progress and Reviews

38:59 Book Challenges and Personal Goals

48:47 Upcoming Book Club Reads and Community Engagement

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A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions | Book Dragon Banter

In this special Christmas episode of Book Dragon Banter, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree dive into the timeless classic 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. We discuss Dickens' storytelling techniques, the book's impact on modern Christmas traditions, and share personal experiences and adaptations of the story. Alongside, we embrace cozy holiday reading traditions like jolabokaflod and share some other festive reads. Join us for a Christmas literary journey and some light-hearted holiday banter.

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, email: bookdragonbanterpod@gmail.com

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Recommended Holiday Reads list:

Topher’s Library: Holiday Reads You’ll Love https://youtu.be/mPaM9HPMyKw?si=eI12HGGzDN2hr_ga

Other Books Mentioned:

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

A Hunt so Wild and Cruel: A Fae Christmas Carol Retelling by Rebecca F. Kenney

00:00 Introduction to Book Dragon Banter

00:32 Christmas Episode Vibes

01:09 Discussing 'A Christmas Carol'

04:46 Personal Reflections on Christmas

10:41 Favorite Adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol'

16:54 Surprises and Insights

28:43 Scrooge's Transformation

29:40 The Timelessness of A Christmas Carol

31:06 Religious and Moral Themes

34:16 Dickens' Writing Process

36:16 The Narrator's Voice

39:29 Scrooge's Character Development

49:38 The Spirit of Generosity

51:49 Cozy Christmas Traditions

54:17 Book Recommendations for the Holidays

Get in touch with us!