A podcast where we interview queer and female-identifying 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 other Sunday!
Artwork: Jonah Kensett (@jonahkensett)
Music: Brady Dunn (@bradois)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A podcast where we interview queer and female-identifying 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 other Sunday!
Artwork: Jonah Kensett (@jonahkensett)
Music: Brady Dunn (@bradois)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WARNING: If you have not read the ACOTAR series, this episode is not for you as it contains spoilers, and also doesn't make sense for those who have not read the books.
In this episode, Julia chats with longtime friend and ACOTAR correspondant, Dr. Shelby Van Rossum! Shelby is the one who introduced Novel Finds to the A Court of Thorns and Roses books (and the rest of the Maasverse) and has appeared each season for a special episode chatting about the next book in the series. This time we take on A Court of Silver Flames (aka the big orange book).
Death by TBR (Shelby's recs): The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (or literally anything [except maybe Mansfield Park] by Jane Austen!)
Follow Shelby on IG
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Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)
Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)
Online Reviews & Content Devlopment: Hannah Latham (she/her)
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling and award-winning author Alexandria Bellefleur about her latest novel, which just happens to be a paranormal romance called The Devil She Knows! We chat about late-in-life queer dating, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even get a bit philosophical about what a soul is.
Pre-order her book now, or find it from her fave independent bookstores like Strand Books, The Ripped Bodice, Meet Cute Bookshop, Third Place Books, The Book & Cover, and Steamy Lit on October 21st! (Just in time for Halloween.)
Death by TBR (Alexandria's fave books): When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare and Play Nice by Rachel Harrison
Follow Alexandria on Instagram, Threads, and her website
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Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)
Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)
Online Reviews & Content Devlopment: Hannah Latham (she/her)
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author, Julie Leong, about her upcoming cozy fantasy The Keeper of Magical Things! Brief Summary: Certainty Bulrush is a mage-in-training and just wants to be useful...unfortunately, she isn't very good at magic. What she *is* good at is connecting with magical inanimate objects, so when she is sent on a too-good-to-be-true assignment to the remote town of Shpelling, it seems everything is going to go exactly as intended. Until, well, it doesn't! Pre-order the book now, or find it at one of Julie's fave local independent bookstores Noe Valley Books and Blue Cypress Books on October 14th!
Death by TBR (Julie's favorite books): Discworld books by Terry Pratchett, jump in with The Witches or Small Gods, The City in Glass by Nghi Vo, The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August, The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
Follow Julie on Instagram and her website
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Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)
Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)
Online Reviews & Content Devlopment: Hannah Latham (she/her)
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with webtoon-creator-turned-graphic-novelist Miranda Mundt about their graphic novel, Muted! In Muted, we follow Camille Severin, orphaned witch of one of the famed witch families of New Orleans. Camille struggles with her magic and when her coming-of-age ritual goes awry, she's suddenly given the gift of time to discover herself. Volume 1 is available now, and Volume 2 is coming October 14th, 2025. Grab them from some of Miranda's favorite bookstores: Elliott Bay Book Company, Outsider Comics, and Charlie's Queer Books
Muted Family Quiz (Julia got the Dupree Family!)
Death By TBR (Miranda's Fave Books): Witch Hat Atelier
Follow Miranda on socials: Instagram, Website, Twitter, YouTube, Patreon, Webtoon
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Host: Julia Steudle (she/her)
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him)
Music: Brady Dunn (they/them)
Online Reviews & Content Devlopment: Hannah Latham (she/her)
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author (and Doctor Who writer and newly established Bratz doll collector) Juno Dawson, about her seriously magical series (and series finale) Her Majesty's Royal Coven! The epic conclusion to the series, Human Rites, is out now and you can find it at Juno's fave bookshops: Anderson's Bookshop, Gibson's Bookstore, An Unlikely Story, Queer Lit, Gays the Word, The Book Nook, and City Books
Death by TBR (Juno's favorite books): The Transgender Issue: Trans Justice Is Justice for All by Shon Faye, Boy Parts, Penance, and She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark, Stag Dance by Torrey Peters, Julia Armfield, Alison Rumfitt, Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan, My Husband by Maud Ventura, Heatwave by Victor Jestin, Convenience Store Woman, and Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
Follow Juno on socials: personal Instagram and Bratz Instagram
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Host: Julia Steudle
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Online Reviews & Content Devlopment: Hannah Latham
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author Sara Raasch about her newest Dnd-inspired book, The Entanglement of Rival Wizards! A Magic-Meets-STEM fantasy university set in Philadelphia with two hot bisexual messes who hate each other so much that they kiss (naturally). Pre-order Sara's book now from her fave indie bookshops: The Fallen Acorn Bookshop, SeeWhich Books, Novel Grounds, and Fountain Books
Death by TBR (Sara's favorite books): The Twelve Houses series by Sharon Shinn
Follow Sara on her website, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky
IG: Gregory_Paperback Lesaria University Hoodie!
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Host: Julia Steudle
Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Online Reviews & Content Development: Hannah Latham
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with author, editor, and scholar Lee Mandelo, about his anthology Amplitudes: Stories of Queer and Trans Futurity, in which he compiled and editied 22 short stories from prominent and emerging LGBTQIA+ voices! The book is out now, so find it at your favorite local indie, or order it from one of Lee's faves: Carmichael's, Charis Books & More, Loyalty Books, Books Are Magic, or Unabridged
Death By TBR (Lee's favorite books): Labyrinth by Kate Mosse, The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain by Sofia Samatar, The Long Run: A Creative Inquiry by Stacey D'Erasmo, Blackouts by Justin Torres, The Dove in the Belly by Jim Grimsley, and The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera
Follow Lee on Bluesky, IG, and his website
Watch lgbt+ positive shows on GagaOOLala
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Host: Julia Steudle
Co-Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author Hannah Nicole Maehrer (pronounced May-er) about her Assistant to the Villain series and it's newest installment, Accomplice to the Villain! Coming out August 5th, 2025.
Death By TBR (Hannah's favorite books): A Forbidden Alchemy by Hannah's Best Friend Forever, Stacey McEwan, The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole, and A Forbidden Fate by Kaven Hirning
Find Hannah's books at her fave indie bookstores: Reads & Company, Looker Books, The Ripped Bodice (both locations!), and The New Romantics
Follow Hannah on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
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Host: Julia Steudle
Co-Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with debut author Lindsey Byrd about the first book in her new duology The Sun Blessed Prince (out now!) In this three POV narrative, we follow Elician, Giver and Prince of Soleb, Cat, Reaper of Allelune, and Fenlia, Elician's younger sister who also happens to be a Giver. Their fates are woven intricately together in this fantasy, and begs the question: are we really that different from one another?
Death By TBR (Lindsey's Favorite Books): Doctor Sleep by Stephen King, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, Sistersong by Lucy Holland, Le Fay by Sophie Keetch, (Sophie's Novel Finds Episode), Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab, Dark Heir series by C.S. Pacat
Find Lindsey's book at a bookstore in Ann Arbor, or order it from the Novel Finds Author Chat Booklist on Bookshop.org!
Follow Lindsey on Instagram, Tumblr, her website, and listen to her podcast Writing Is Hard! with Lindsey Byrd (new episodes on Mondays)
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with queer romance author, TJ Alexander, about their newest novel: A Gentleman's Gentleman! A trans regency novel with hijinks, an epic carriage chase, and many moments of queer joy. A Gentleman's Gentleman is available now, and if you want a signed copy, grab it from TJ's fave local bookstore: Word Up Bookshop in Manhattan.
Here's the Spotify playlist created for A Gentleman's Gentleman
While you await the sequel to A Gentleman's Gentleman, TJ recommends you check out these books and authors: A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell, I Shall Never Fall In Love: A Graphic Novel by Hari Conner, Sherlock Holmes, P.G. Wodehouse, and Malinda Lo
Follow TJ on social media: Bluesky, Instagram, Tumblr, and their website (newsletter)
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Host: Julia Steudle
Co-Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CW: After the Patreon ad, Rebecca and I discuss the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) scandal involving a child predator, among other things that happened. If you would like to skip this section, it starts at 42:00 and wraps up around 55:32. If you or someone you know was affected by this predator, please reach out to your trusted adults for help and guidance.
Additionally, this episode is full of spoilers, so if you haven't read the first three books and want to, come back to this episode later! If you don't mind spoilers or have read the books, listen on!
Rebecca's favorite book in her Tomes & Tea series is Alchemy and a Cup of Tea (who says you can't pick favorites??), which comes out August, so pre-order it now from Laura of Literally, A Bookshop, Rebecca's fave place! Her favorite Tome in general right now is Murderbot and it goes perfect with a Coconut Chai Tea
Follow Rebecca on: Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, and her website
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Host: Julia Steudle
Co-Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with Bestselling author & #1 NYT-disqualified & Hugo Award-disqualified, but Alfie Award winner (And Hugo Award winner) Xiran Jay Zhao! Author of the Iron Widow series (Iron Widow & Heavenly Tyrant) and Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Find Xiran's books through Books of Wonder, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, or IndieBound!
Want more than just Xiran's books? Their favorite and impressionable books: Heavenbreaker, The First Sister, The Sunbearer Trials, Slay, and And I Darken
Message for Indie Bookstores: Xiran will sign and send book plates to you free of charge! Message them here (assistant info at bottom of page)
Soapbox Moment: Help the people, families, and pets in Gaza as they try to survive this massive and ongoing humanitarian crisis and famine by donating. Xiran's Linktree & direct link to the animal shelter
Social Media: Website, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Bluesky, Tumblr
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Host: Julia Steudle
Co-Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett
Music: Brady Dunn
Social media: Instagram and Bluesky
Join the Novel Finds Patreon
Check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with popular Webtoon creator, artist, and author the Purpah about her newest volume of Suitor Armor! Purpah reveals how she became a Webtoon creator, the benefits of using the fantasy genre to tell hard stories, and her deep love of fairies. Find Suitor Armor Volume Two from her fave indie bookstores: The King's English Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, and Black Cat Comics on May 20th, or pre-order now!
Read Purpah's favorite books: Princess Academy, Six of Crows duology, Caraval, An Enchantment of Ravens, If We Were Villains, and Legends and Lattes
Follow Purpah on her Webtoon, Twitter, Bluesky, Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and her website
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky for mini book reviews. If you want to support the podcast (and get some merch in the process), join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or buy books from our book lists on Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores and find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with author (and professor) Aimee Phan about her first young adult novel, The Lost Queen. The first in the duology, The Lost Queen is a beautiful story following Jolie as she takes on the challenges of high school and reincarnated siblings. Pre-order her book now from her favorite indie bookstores: Mrs. Dalloway's, and East Bay Booksellers or find it in stores on May 6th, 2025!
Read Aimee's favorite books: Farewell to Manzanar, The Woman Warrior, The Joy Luck Club, East of Eden, and No-No Boy
Follow Aimee on social media: Instagram, TikTok, and her website
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky for mini book reviews. If you want to support the podcast (and get some merch in the process), join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with the wonderful author & illustrator Venessa Vida Kelley about their upcoming novel, When the Tides Held the Moon. This beautifully crafted book is full of two-toned illustrations and a story of love and found family in the most surprising of places. It isn't one you'll want to miss! Pre-order it now from one of (or all of) Venessa's favorite indie bookstores: Meet Cute Bookshop (San Diego, CA), Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, TX), Loyalty Bookstore (Washington DC), and The Ripped Bodice (Brooklyn, NY) or find it at your local indie on April 29th!
Follow Venessa on their website, Instagram, Tumblr, X (Twitter), Patreon, Etsy, and Bluesky
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky for mini book reviews. If you want to support the podcast (and get some merch in the process), join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this short and sweet episode, Julia chats with debut author Veronika Dapunt about her upcoming book, Death and Other Occupational Hazards! Available in the UK on April 10th, and in the US on January 6th, 2026! She'll be having a release event at her favorite independent bookstore: Queens Park Books (named Independent Bookshop of the Year!)
Read Veronika's favorite books: The Neverending Story and Momo, both by Michael Ende
Follow Veronika Instagram to see what she's up to next!
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky. If you want to support the podcast, join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia chats with Kate Pearsall, author of Bittersweet in the Hollow and Lies on the Serpent's Tongue. This episode is full of folklore, local legends, cryptids, magic, and more! Find both her books at her fave indie bookstores: Schuler Books, Sidetrack Bookshop, or Between the Covers
Want to read some of Kate's formative books? Check out the works of Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, Louisa May Alcott's Gothic short stories, Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer, and Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic
Follow Kate on Instagram & her website
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky. If you want to support the podcast, join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia sits down with New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes to chat about her upcoming companion novel to The Enchanted Hacienda, The Anatomy of Magic (in stores March 11th)!
Love writing? J.C. recommends Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert for inspirational tips!
J.C.'s Favorite Books and Authors: C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, Little Witch by Anna Bennett, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Sharon Creech, Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Rick Riordan to name a few
Find signed (and personalized) copies of her books at Collected Works Bookstore in Santa Fe and Books on the Bosque in Albuquerque
Stay up to date with J.C. through her website, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky!
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky. If you want to support the podcast, join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our book lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to season 5 of Novel Finds! This season is full of amazing authors, and I'm so excited to kick it off with Emily J. Taylor author of Hotel Magnifique and upcoming novel, The Otherwhere Post! In this episode, Emily and Julia chat about crafting magic systems, historical quills and ink, Holly Black, and more!
Read Emily's favorite books/authors: Rebecca by Daphne Du Morier, Victoria Holt, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Holly Black's Tithe series, Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, and Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Pre-order The Otherwhere Post from her fave indie bookseller, The Red Balloon (located in St. Paul, MN)
Follow Emily on Instagram, and check out her website!
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram or follow me on Bluesky. If you want to support the podcast, join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Julia and her partner, Jonah, wrap up season 4 and talk about books, analytics, goals for next year, more books... and did we mention he has an English accent?
Helpful Links from things we discussed:
The Menuscript episode Julia was a guest on to talk about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
Fourth Wing (Xaden's POV) Ao3 by belle_beebee
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Thanks for being a Novel Friend! If you want to see more from me, find the podcast on Instagram. If you want to support the podcast, join the Novel Finds community on Patreon or check out our lists on Bookshop.org to find the latest books from the podcast, and if your podcast app does it, make sure to rate and review the show!
Novel Finds is an affiliate of Bookshop.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.