Podcast
Novel Finds: A literary podcast
Hosted by Julia Steudle · EN
A podcast where we interview queer and female authors about their upcoming novel! Hear about what made their book come to life, the ups and downs of writing and the publishing industry, and plain ole silly tangents in comfortable conversation that feels like it could be happening between friends at your local book club or from your couch. Hosted by long-time booklover and mid-time podcaster, Julia Steudle, Novel Finds is a place to celebrate diverse voices and read good books. New episodes every first and third Sunday of the month!
Artwork: Jonah Kensett (@jonahkensett)
Music: Brady Dunn (@bradois)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Definitely (Not) Haunted with Jenny L. Howe
2d ago01:03:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, your host Julia chats with author Jenny L. Howe about her perfect Summerween YA romance: How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House! Order it now from one of her fave indie bookstores: An Unlikely Story (where you can sometimes find Jenny herself!), The Purple Couch, and The Little Bubblegum BookshopAlso, check out Jenny's extensive list of book recommendations: Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, Find My Way Down To You by Julian Winters, The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun, Buried Feelings by Kit Rosewater, A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander (you can also listen to our Novel Finds episode with TJ here!), and The Grace Year by Kim LiggettAre you based around the Plainville, MA area? Get last minute tickets to the Summerween Event of the Season with Jenny, Taylor Grothe, Hannah Reynolds, and Crystal Seitz here!I'm currently listening to Legendborn on audiobook from Libro.fm and the narrator is absolutely fabulous! If you want to listen to the audiobook, follow this link for the book itself, become a monthly member (like me, and get two extra credits at sign up with our link), or even an annual member and support not only your friendly neighborhood book podcast, but also an independant bookshop of your choice with every book you pick! (Mine is Portal Bookshop in located off of The Shambles in York, UK--they specialize in queer voices and are an amazing safe space for all. I highly recommend a visit if you get the chance!)If you want to hear more from Jenny, follow her on IG, her website, and newsletterWhether you identify with the community or not, remember to support marginalized authors! You'll find that once you start in on one thread, you become more aware of the whole tapestry and how everything is connected. Inclusivity makes life worth living! So thank you for being a Novel Friend.Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Horrors of Nostalgia with Kiersten White
2w ago00:40:42Tap to summarizeCW: We briefly discuss Kiersten's experiences growing up with religion and religious trauma about 22 minutes in.In this episode, host Julia chats with bestselling author Kiersten White about her graphic novel adaptation of Mister Magic. Adapted by Scott Peterson and illustrated by Andy and Veronica Fish! Mister Magic follows a group of adults who are brought back together to reminisce about the television show they starred on as children, but things turn a bit more sinister than expected...find her book at her favorite indie bookshop: Mysterious Galaxy Check out Kiersten's favorite books: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Redwall by Brian Jacques, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, and Piranesi by Susanna ClarkeFollow Kiersten on IG, Threads, and her website (subscribe to her newsletter here!)As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend!Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Unbearable Weight of Wanting with Alicia Thompson
Jun 2100:46:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Novel Finds host Julia chats with popular romance author, Alicia Thompson, about her upcoming novel: In Every Possible Way (order now!) You may remember Alicia from her episode with Julia back in 2022 about her debut novel, Love In the Time of Serial Killers, but if not, it's definitely worth a listen. Alicia says her new book is different from her others, lacking the usual cynicism and ramping up the hope that comes with second chances. If this is something that you want to read (and we highly recommend it), why not order her book from her favorite independent bookstores: Tombolo Books (personalized copies and swag available, while supplies last),Also, check out Alicia's favorite books and authors: Klara and the Sun and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, and The Prospects by KT Hoffman, as well as any book by Regina Black, Kate Claiborne, and Anita KellyFollow Alicia on IG and subscribe to her newsletter!As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend. See y'all next time! Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →A New Anansi Story with Ama Ofosua Lieb
Jun 700:26:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Novel Finds host Julia chats with debut author Ama Ofosua Lieb about her new book: Goldenborn! It's an excellent afro-futuristic story set in San Francisco...a place where humans, mages, and those who work to supernatural phenomena a secret live amongst each other, with Akoma Addo at the center. Goldenborn is available now, so why not order it from one of Ama's favorite independent bookshops: Marcus Books, Book Passage, Linden Tree Books, and Keplers. (Shoutout to the unnamed bookshop Julia was talking about: Portal Books in York, UK)Read Ama's favorite books: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, The Free Verse Society by Delali Adjoa, An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew, and She Drinks the Light by Yasmin AngoeFollow Ama's journey and see her reposts about Ghana on IG, and check out her websiteAs always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →To Sleep, Perchance to Dream with Cindy Pham
May 1700:44:33Tap to summarizeCW: There is mention of depression, suicidal ideation, and general references to mental health throughout the episode. In this episode, your host Julia chats with debut author and BookTube star, Cindy Pham, about her book The Secret World of Briar Rose, available in the US June 2nd and UK 4th June. The Secret World of Briar Rose takes the classic fairytale we know and asks the question: What if the princess actually wanted to just sleep? It tackles topics of depression, privilege, and grief both with care and without pulling punches. Order her book from one of her fave indie bookstores: Yu & Me Books (signed and personalized copies available here), Books Are Magic, Book Club Bar, or Words on WarrenRead Cindy's favorite books: This is How You Lose the Time War & Know My NameFollow Cindy's journey on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and her website As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend!Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Pop the Bubble with Silvia Park
May 300:33:45Tap to summarizeLive from London! In this episode, Julia (literally) sits down with award-winning author, Silvia Park, to talk about their novel, Luminous--a science fiction exploration into robots, AI, belonging, and grief. The book is available now wherever you get your books, but why not try Silvia's favorite bookstore: Raven Book Store, located in Lawrence, KansasWhile you're at it, check out Silvia's latest favorite book: Flashlight by Susan ChoiIf you want to see more from Silvia, follow them on Instagram (though they are admittedly not frequent on it)Thank you for being a Novel Friend!---Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →We Need Three Day Weekends with Shelly Page
Apr 1900:23:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Julia chats with Shelly Page, author of Brewed with Love and most recently Charmed and Dangerous! She writes stories about Black queer girls conquering their fears and taking the world by storm, and both of her books are available now. Why not order them from one of her favorite indie bookstores, like Annabelle's Book Club, Grand Gesture Books, Underdog Bookstore, or Books of WonderNeed some more to read? Try one of Shelly's faves: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. SchwabFollow Shelly's journey on Instagram, Twitter, and through her website*ARC is short for Advanced Reader Copy* --- Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Perfect Place for Nosy Aunts with Olivia Waite
Apr 500:48:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, long-time book lover and mid-time podcast host Julia chats with Olivia Waite, author of many books spanning various genres, but the one thing that ties them all together? The queer representation. Their conversation covers Olivia's newest book: Nobody's Baby, the sequel to Murder by Memory in her Dorothy Gentleman novellas. You'll also hear thoughts on Heated Rivalry, AI slop, and a scathing review of Jonathan Franzen.Death by TBR (Olivia's favorite books): Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Night Watch by Terry Pratchett, and After Hours at Dooryard Books by Cat SebastianOrder Olivia's books from her fave indie bookstores: Ballast Books, Third Place Books, Grand Gesture Books, and Charlie's Queer BooksFollow Olivia on Instagram, Bluesky, and her websiteOur episode today is sponsored by Standout Book Box, a queer romance book subscription service! Sign up for yours today by following this link and follow them on Instagram for more news!As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! We'll see y'all next time--on the first and third Sunday of each month.Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Dead Goddess Causes Infrastructure Problems with Hannah Whitten
Mar 1500:29:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Julia chats with internationally bestselling author, Hannah Whitten about her popular series The Nightshade Crown and also her upcoming book Reliquary! There are no spoilers in this episode, so don't worry if you haven't read all of her books. If you haven't read any of her books yet, find them at her favorite independent bookshops: Parnassus Books, The Novelette, or The Novel NeighborDeath by TBR: Tithe by Holly Black, Lisey's Story by Stephen King, Chronicles of Pyrdain by Llyod Alexander, Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles, Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino, and Beta Vulgaris by Margie SarsfieldFind Hannah next to Erin Craig at the Third Coast Author & Book Festival inside The Book Cellar on Saturday, March 21, 2026!Follow Hannah on her Instagram and newsletterAs always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! We'll see y'all next time--on the first and third Sunday of each month.Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →A Lady For Season Six with TJ Alexander
Mar 100:49:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Julia chats with TJ Alexander about their newest book, A Lady For All Seasons (available March 10th!) This historical regency romance follows Verbena Montrose through the season as she tries to find a suitable husband to spirit her away from her family home, and instead finds friendship with an alluring poetess. Hijinks ensue, identities are mistaken, and Lord Byron makes a lasting impression! Find a signed copy of TJ's book at their favorite bookstore: Word Up Community Bookshop in Manhattan, NYWant some book recs while you wait? Read some of TJ's current faves: The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow & After Hours at Dooryard Books by Cat SebastianFollow TJ on: IG | Tumblr | Bluesky | NewsletterAs always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! We'll see y'all next time--on the first and third Sunday of each month.Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)Content Development: Hannah Latham (she/her)Instagram | PatreonSupport indie bookstores through Bookshop.org & Libro.fmNovel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org & Libro.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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