Strap in because Tobias Madden, author of "Wrong Answers Only" and now "Quite the Pair," just took us on a wild ride from cruising the world to navigating the wild waters of social media. He spills all about the joys, struggles, and epiphanies of being a modern author in a swipe-right world.

In this episode:

• How social media transformed Tobias from a cruise ship dancer to a published author
• The real deal about marketing, promotion, and whether you really need to do TikTok dances
• The crazy yet charming process of writing, planning, and embracing chaos in storytelling
• Ollie, the adorable Cavapoo, and his role as the world's best writing buddy
• The importance of finishing your book (yes, really) and how to go from spark to story
• Navigating the politics of LGBTQ books in the US and Australia
• The creative magic of ideas being sentient and channeling your muse

Resources & Links:

• Tobias Madden's Website

Connect with Tobias Madden:

• Instagram

Ever wonder what it takes to turn personal stories into a literary revolution? Drew Banks spills the tea on writing authentic queer characters, navigating the indie publishing world, and the power of storytelling to bridge communities. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe feel a little inspired!

In this episode:

• Drew shares how his debut novel "Able Was I" challenged stereotypical gay narratives and expanded representation
• The evolution from physical bookstore tours to digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram
• The significance of personal connections, book clubs, and interviews in building an author platform
• The intriguing story behind the palindrome-inspired trilogy titles
• How traveling through Europe inspired themes of exile and reflection
• Navigating historical accuracy in historical fiction, including meticulous research and details like buttons and fashion
• The unconventional origin of Drew’s transition from business to writing and his motivation to break stereotypes
• The creative process: structured outlines versus organic character development
• The emotional impact of reader feedback and reactions
• The importance of authentically portraying women and diverse perspectives in storytelling
• How the queer community and storytelling intertwine in Drew’s projects like Father Netics

Resources & Links:

• Drew Banks Official Website

Ever wondered how a singer-songwriter becomes a published novelist? Join us as Stephen Gellman explains how a festival encounter and a love of tea sparked his literary journey. Plus, insights into his upcoming trilogy "Somewhere and Nowhere" and the secret sauce of blending music with storytelling.

In this episode:

• How accidental meetings can unleash your creative potential
• The story behind the intriguing title "Somewhere and Nowhere"
• Writing from personal mental health experiences
• The importance of diverse representations in YA fiction
• The unique blend of music and literature, including exclusive previews
• Practical advice for aspiring writers — just start!
• The role of loose planning and spontaneity in storytelling
• Behind the scenes of audiobook narration and vinyl recordings
• The significance of community centers and local events in promotion
• How a playful name like "Gay Ass Book Club" sparks curiosity and laughs

Resources & Links:

• Hidden Poet — Stephen Gellman’s official site
• Michael Crouch — Award-winning audiobook narrator
• The Gay Ass Book Club — Join the fun and support queer authors
• Art of Tea — Favorite loose leaf tea provider
• Tea Source — Top spot for tea lovers

Connect with Stephen Gellman:

• Instagram
• Newsletter Sign-up

And stick around for Stephen’s musical book debut, an exclusive track from his upcoming trilogy, "Somewhere and Nowhere." Whether you’re a writer, a tea enthusiast, or a bookshelf dreamer, this episode’s got something brewed just for you.