Books With Your Besties - Episode Summary: "Retreat Author Announcements 2026"

Release Date: June 14, 2025

In this vibrant and engaging episode of Books With Your Besties, hosts Emily and Ashley delve into exciting announcements regarding their upcoming retreat, spotlighting both returning and new authors who will be attending. The episode is a blend of heartfelt stories, humorous anecdotes, and detailed information about the retreat, making it a must-listen for avid book enthusiasts and members of their community.

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode kicks off with Emily and Ashley expressing their excitement about the retreat and the significant author announcements they’re about to reveal.

• Ashley [00:07]: “We're super excited to be here to talk about retreat and make some really big announcements about authors who are coming.”

2. Anecdotes Leading into Author Announcements

Before diving into the main announcements, Ashley shares a humorous story about her interaction with author Lucinda Berry, highlighting the playful rapport between the authors and the hosts.

• Ashley [00:24]: “Lucinda Berry's new book... she wrote back and she's like, didn't I screenshot it and tell you, like, your psycho the way you sleep? And I'm using it for a character.”

• Emily [01:10]: “It's like, some of our authors are funny.”

This story sets a lighthearted tone and underscores the close relationships Emily and Ashley have with their featured authors.

**3. Returning Authors Spotlight

The hosts introduce the three authors returning to the retreat, emphasizing their popularity and the unique contributions they bring.

a. Lucinda Berry

Lucinda Berry is celebrated as the original author who has been a staple at the retreat. Her dark and distinctive writing style has garnered a dedicated fan base.

• Ashley [03:25]: “Lucinda just writes really dark, really different stuff... she just has a huge fan base of people who adore her.”

• Emily [03:43]: “Having a book chat with just Lucinda would be so fun.”

b. Kara Ruda and Heather Gudenkopf

Both Kara Ruda and Heather Gudenkopf are returning favorites from the previous year, known for their thrilling and clever narratives.

• Ashley [05:03]: “Two of the killer authors are returning. That's Kara Ruda and Heather Gudenkopf.”

• Emily [05:24]: “Kara, people were just like, she's amazing and we love her. She's so funny. She's so clever.”

Heather Gudenkopf is particularly noted for her engaging personality and the humorous interactions she shares with the hosts.

• Ashley [05:51]: “Heather's like, sometimes I say, can you lay over here with your legs in the laundry room a little bit?”

**4. Introducing New Authors

Expanding the retreat's literary lineup, Emily and Ashley announce three new authors who will be joining the event for the first time.

a. Jason Rakulik

Jason Rakulik is highlighted for his epic storytelling and unique writing process.

• Ashley [07:18]: “Jason Rakulik. Hidden Pictures is just one of those books that I'm so jealous when somebody's reading it for the first time.”

• Emily [07:30]: “He's just fun and just so down to earth.”

b. Sarah Pekkanen

Sarah Pekkanen brings a collection of gripping novels to the retreat, with a new release eagerly anticipated by fans.

• Ashley [08:36]: “We've read everything she's ever written... She's just really cool.”

• Emily [09:05]: “The Locked War. That's what's coming out. That looks so good.”

c. Ashley Winstead

Ashley Winstead is praised for her prolific writing and engaging personality, balancing her professional life with her passion for writing.

• Ashley [10:20]: “She holds a PhD in contemporary American literature and a BA from Vanderbilt... she drinks red wine, works on public policy and dreams up adult novels.”

• Emily [10:53]: “She lives in Houston, where she drinks red wine, works on public policy and dreams up adult novels. I love your life.”

**5. Retreat Event Details

Emily and Ashley provide comprehensive details about the upcoming retreat, highlighting significant enhancements and new features aimed at enriching the attendees' experience.

a. Extended Duration and Location

The retreat will now span three days instead of the previous two, allowing more time for interactions and activities.

• Ashley [11:27]: “Retreat is going to be back in Scottsdale at the Scott Resort. We have full buyout of the whole hotel for those three days.”

b. Author Expo

A new addition to the retreat is the Author Expo, which will feature approximately 25 authors. This expo offers attendees the opportunity to meet, interact, and engage with authors, fostering a vibrant literary community.

• Emily [12:50]: “We will also be hosting an author expo. It is not huge. It's 25ish authors... You get to walk around and Talk to these authors, meet them, hope maybe they'll sign your book.”

• Ashley [13:56]: “We're just so excited to be able to give these authors an opportunity because that's how they get their books into the world.”

c. Ticketing and Early Bird Discounts

The hosts announce a special early bird discount exclusively available to their Patreon members, encouraging prompt registration for the retreat.

• Emily [16:35]: “This is $30 discount for our early birds. This is only announced on Patreon for our members today.”

• Ashley [16:47]: “Tickets are on the site and they're $30 off until we publicly share this later.”

**6. Community Feedback and Enthusiasm

Emily and Ashley share positive feedback from their community, highlighting the retreat's welcoming atmosphere and the strong bonds formed among attendees.

• Ashley [15:22]: “We just had a member who reached out and said... I'm coming because I had such a good time, and I feel like that's just the vibe of retreat.”

• Emily [16:11]: “It’s just the vibes are so good because people are there because of something they enjoy.”

This segment underscores the retreat's role not just as a literary event but as a community-building experience.

**7. Closing Remarks and Final Announcements

As the episode draws to a close, Emily and Ashley reiterate the excitement surrounding the retreat and encourage listeners to secure their tickets early.

• Ashley [17:32]: “Keep your eyes here because we might be getting more authors, which would be mind-blowing because we already have an incredible slate.”

• Emily [17:54]: “She'll bring it and you guys can pretend like I'm an author just so you have some.”

The hosts conclude with heartfelt thanks and a final push for ticket sales, reinforcing the community-centric and enjoyable nature of the retreat.

• Emily [18:39]: “Thanks for listening.”

• Ashley [18:45]: “Happy reading.”

Notable Quotes

• Ashley [00:58]: “Why am I not in the acknowledgments? That's me.”

• Emily [03:43]: “Having a book chat with just Lucinda would be so fun.”

• Ashley [05:51]: “Heather's like, sometimes I say, can you lay over here with your legs in the laundry room a little bit?”

• Ashley [13:56]: “We're just so excited to be able to give these authors an opportunity because that's how they get their books into the world.”

• Emily [16:11]: “The vibes are so good because people are there because of something they enjoy.”

This episode of Books With Your Besties serves as an enthusiastic preview of the upcoming retreat, showcasing the hosts' deep connections with their authors and their commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive literary community. Whether you're an existing member or a prospective attendee, the detailed announcements and infectious excitement make this episode a compelling listen.