Fantasy Fangirls: Fantasy FanReads x Gretchen Powell Fox (March 31, 2026)

Episode Overview

The episode showcases a lively, heartwarming conversation between host Jess (of Lost Books of Jess) and fantasy author Gretchen Powell Fox. As a featured snippet from the new "Fantasy Fan Reads" podcast (under the Fantasy Fangirls Media Network), the episode serves both as an introduction to the new show and as an intimate author interview. Jess and Gretchen explore Gretchen’s writing journey, the joy of reading and community, tips for balancing creative and personal life, and the power of making connections through books and social media.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Joy of Reading and Bookish Community (07:00–10:11)

• Gretchen’s Perspective:

  • Reading is both escapism and experience, giving endless joy through stories and new perspectives.
  • She especially appreciates the connections made with readers and authors online:

    "You live a thousand lives as long as you can read it in a book." — Gretchen (07:23)

  • The rise of social media created invaluable community among book lovers that didn’t exist during the early years of her career.
  • Book conventions and in-person events reinforce the positive impact and realness of these relationships.

• Jess’s Reflection:

  • Highlights the positive side of social media, despite its reputation:

    "So many people speak negatively about social media. Like, it's rotting our minds ... but the connection cannot be beat." — Jess (08:34)

2. Gretchen Powell Fox’s Writing Journey: Origins, Hiatus, & Return (10:11–13:03)

• Early Career and Hiatus:

  • Gretchen published her first book, Tara, in 2012, at the start of the self-publishing boom.
  • Life events (creative job, marriage, children) resulted in a 12-year gap away from publishing:

    "I blinked and it was 12 years later and ... I didn't write anything else." — Gretchen (11:01)

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and the discovery of lifelong ADHD helped her better understand her creative rhythms.

• Return to Writing:

  • Gretchen harnessed her newfound self-understanding to reignite her passion for storytelling.
  • She completed her duology and dove into the Shattered Crown trilogy, now writing full-time.
  • Embracing her path, she reflects:

    "If I hadn't taken this exact route and come back at this exact time, I wouldn't have written this exact book in these circumstances." — Gretchen (12:40)

• Jess’s Encouragement:

  • Jess emphasizes the courage it takes to start or resume creative pursuits later in life:

    "It's never too late to say, I'm called back to that. I want to do that again and I'm just so proud of you." — Jess (13:25)

3. Bookish Banter, Favorite Reads, and Cozy Comforts (03:18–06:41)

• Current Reads:

  • Audiobook: Tourist Season by Bryn Weaver, praised for its humor and engagement.
  • Print: An advanced copy of Stormbreaker by Nisha J. Tooley.

• Cozy Beverage Routine:

  • Gretchen’s favorite: Dirty chai (chai with espresso and oat milk) for energy and comfort.

• Bookish Fantasy Table:

  • Given the chance, Gretchen would share a dirty chai with book characters from her own and others’ works (Carrion Swift from Quicksilver, Max and Taurius Farley from Daughter of No World), imagining hilarious and chaotic banter:

    "It would either be perfect or they would be throwing the dirty chai at each other. And I feel like there's no in-between." — Jess (06:26)
    "Either way, I would be sitting there like... fangirl. It's fine." — Gretchen (06:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bookish Community:

  "I get endless joy from the connections that I've made with readers and authors... This amazing platform didn’t exist back then." — Gretchen (07:33)

• On Life’s Twists:

  "The journey was a bit long and winding. I felt a lot of shame over this decade-long gap ... but I also know ... I wouldn't have written this exact book in these circumstances." — Gretchen (12:35)

• On Connection vs. Social Media Negativity:

  "I am an OG believer in the kinds of friendships and relationships that can be fostered online." — Gretchen (09:34)

• Sisterly Banter & Support:

  "It's never too late to say, I'm called back to that. I want to do that again and I'm just so proud of you." — Jess (13:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:10–01:45] — Introduction from Jess & Gretchen; origins of their friendship and excitement for the interview
• [03:18–04:11] — Gretchen’s current reads and genres she enjoys
• [04:17–04:42] — Favorite cozy beverage routine and reasons behind it
• [05:24–06:41] — Fantasy scenario: Sharing drinks with fictional characters
• [07:00–10:11] — The joy of reading, building community, and positive impacts of book social media
• [10:11–13:03] — Gretchen’s writing journey, hiatus, mental health insights, and creative rebirth
• [13:03–13:45] — Encouragement from Jess about starting anew and the realities for Millennial women

Tone and Style

The episode is marked by authenticity, warmth, lightheartedness, and a love for all things bookish. Both Jess and Gretchen infuse the conversation with humor, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity among writers and readers—uplifting for anyone passionate about fantasy, books, or creative journeys.

For the full interview and more cozy bookish chats, listeners are encouraged to find the "Fantasy Fan Reads" podcast feed, as this episode is only a snippet.