Episode Summary: In this episode of the Blush and Burn Books podcast, host Laura Eakin and co-host Annie Baxter welcome author Alexis Calder. They discuss Alexis's journey from a passionate reader to a published author, exploring her early influences, the evolution of reading preferences, and the impact of COVID-19 on reading habits. The conversation delves into the importance of audiobooks, writing groups, and the supportive nature of the indie author community, particularly among romance authors. Alexis shares insights into her writing process, inspirations, and the significance of finding books that resonate with readers. In this engaging conversation, Alexis shares her journey through the world of fantasy writing, discussing her experiences with commitment issues in reading series, the challenges of writing spicy scenes, and the complexities of relationships in reverse harem narratives. She emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in romance and fantasy, recounts her shift back to writing fantasy after exploring other genres, and reflects on the writing and editing process. The discussion also touches on the innovative approach of virtual signings and upcoming events, showcasing Alexis's dedication to her craft and her readers. Highlights of the Episode: Writing groups can offer essential support and motivation for authors. Romance authors often create a welcoming environment for new writers. Readers today are more open to exploring various genres than in the past. The importance of finding books that resonate with individual readers. Writing spicy scenes can be an embarrassing yet rewarding experience. Virtual signings provide accessibility for readers unable to attend physical events. Upcoming projects are in the works, with details to be revealed soon. Social media presence is a work in progress for many authors.   About Alexis Calder: Alexis Calder writes sassy heroines and sexy heroes with a sprinkle of sarcasm. She lives in the Rockies and drinks far too much coffee and just the right amount of wine. Instagram: @Author_AlexisCalder TikTok: @AuthorAlexisCaler  Website: https://alexiscalder.com/ Follow Blush & Burn Books: Instagram: @blush_and_burn_books TikTok: @blushandburnbooks   Join the Conversation: Have questions for Alexis or thoughts on the episode? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. #BlushAndBurnBooks #AuthorInterview #AlexisCalder #KingdomOfBloodAndSalt #DarkFantasy #WomenWhoWrite #RomanceBooks #PodcastEpisode #BookishCommunity #ReadersOfInstagram #IndieAuthorLove #romantasy