You never know how meeting one person will affect your life; whether it’s a one-time thing, or something that brings you back to connect again. For me, meeting Christie Berman when she joined my critique group led to us connecting again later, even though I left the group to pursue my MFA. She teamed up with Angie Sandro and they created the podcast, “Angie and Christie Write Now.” I’ve been featured before, and they recently hosted me again for the release of The Excalibur Vow (to be aired in late July, stay tuned for deets, and a GIVEAWAY).
They are hysterically funny, charming, and put their guests at ease. I want to meet up in jammies, with junk food, and talk books and writing at a sleepover, that’s how much fun they are. But- they also get down to the grit of writing, the book biz, and the tough craziness of being an author. They are writers themselves, so it’s mutual admiration and consolation. Here’s the story of them:
How Did You Two Meet?
We met in 2012 in an online writers’ group called Agent Query Connect during a speculative fiction writing marathon. We bonded over critiquing each other’s chapters and stuck together long after the group disbanded. We still mourn AQC, but we’re forever grateful it brought us together.
How Did You Decide to Start a Podcast?
In 2022, we were looking for a fun, creative outlet. A few friends threw around wild ideas. Maybe start a publishing house? Launch a podcast? Well, guess which one stuck! Shelved Books Podcast was born a few months later. And after a little rebranding a year later, Angie and Christie Write Now became our new home for all things author-y and book-y.
How Do You Schedule Podcasting Around Writing and Life?
Carefully. And with snacks. The interviews are the fun part. Editing, scheduling, posting, and dodging YouTube’s ever-changing algorithms? That’s where the real time goes. We definitely write less than we used to, but we’re finding the balance (or at least chasing it with caffeine and good intentions).
What Do You Write, Solo and Together?
Angie writes southern gothic romance, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and magical tales for MG, YA, NA, and adult readers. Christie writes science fiction, paranormal with a twist, and fun fantasy, also for MG and adult audiences. Together? We’re writing a contemporary romance series, (yes, you read that right) with humor, heart, and a lot of chemistry. Who knew we had swoon in us?
What’s Surprised You Most About Podcasting?
How many amazing friendships we’ve made! Interviewing authors from all backgrounds and journeys has been inspiring. We’ve met writers who started at six years old and others who discovered their passion later in life. No two stories are alike and that’s the magic.
What’s Your Favorite Part of Doing Interviews?
Talking shop with authors and hearing how they do it. Every guest brings something different, from humor, to honesty, to hard-won wisdom, and we always walk away feeling energized. Plus, cheering on their book launches and career wins? That’s the best part of all.
What Are YOUR Goals?
To make authors shine. To keep conversations real. To inspire more reading, more writing, and more laughter. If one person listens to an episode and feels less alone in their writing journey, or inspired to start a new story, we’re happy. Also, someday? A live show. With snacks.
What Do You Dislike Most About Podcasting?
The YouTube algorithm. It’s a beast. Just when we think we understand it, it shapeshifts like a trickster god. Also, editing. Editing is the exercise of podcasting. Good for you, but not always fun.
What Do You Most Want Authors to Know?
There’s no single “right way” to write a book. Do it your way. Each book might require a different process, and that’s normal. And most importantly? Keep going. Persistence is the secret sauce to publishing success.
Do Authors Come to You, Or Do You Seek Them Out?
A bit of both. We started by reaching out to authors we admire. Now, we’re lucky to have authors and publicists contacting us, which feels like a dream. We still chase down authors we’re excited about, though. The TBR never sleeps.
First, here’s the link to their podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SmUx4ZUdcPGWpDHFOxyAG
The Giveaway!
For followers of my blog/newsletter, I will be doing a special giveaway. What will you get?
*a sword bookmark (your choice of black, red, or green tassel)
*paper bookmark with social media info (so we can chat)
*a brass bookstand (which I hope you’ll use to show everyone the book)
*a special edition of the book (that’s why you can’t see the cover- no peeky!) signed however you want it (in case you’re gifting it)
*my sincere thanks and appreciation for your support
The Rules-Again
- You MUST be a subscriber to my blog/newsletter. I will NOT overload you with constant emails, I have a life and better things to do.
- An independent person will choose the winner (names in a hat deal, random, everyone has equal chance to win. (Sorry, hubs, but you’re disqualified.)
- Begging, tearjerker stories might get you in the next book as a sad character, but do not increase your chances.
- I would ask that you tell friends, relatives, the postal worker, strangers on the street, etc. about my giveaway and make this more fun.
- IF I get a good number of subscribers, I will do another giveaway, but it might not include all the good stuff here. We’ll see…
- Date: I haven’t set a firm date, but before the end of July; I need time for people to subscribe and I want it to coincide with the podcast. When I know, you’ll know.
Next Post: I Think My Book is Cursed.
You’re going to want to read this.
P.S., help me get more people to sign up for my blog/newsletter.
Charlotte Bennardo 