Show overview
Book Lover's Companion - The English Version has been publishing since 2019, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 207 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 200 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 53 min and 1h 1m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 days ago, with 28 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 52 episodes published. Published by EZ Fiction.
From the publisher
A podcast about books, authors, genres, readers and more.
Latest Episodes
View all 207 episodesInside A Dangerous Screw Loose: Francine Ehrenberg Discusses Politics and Writing
Marketing Mastery for Authors: From Book Idea to Shelf
Rick London's 'The Dancing Wolfman': A New Take on Werewolves and Music
Author Twila Mason on Writing Romance, Addiction & Recovery in Step by Step | Book Lover's Companion
Behind Enemy Lines: The Story of Jonathan Preston with Steve Doherty
Victorian Secrets: Emma Woodhouse and the Art of Historical Storytelling
Historical Heroines: Behind the Scenes of Feisty Deeds Anthologies
Inside the Editor's Mind: Literary Thrills with Jennica Dotson
Crafting Happiness: The Joyful Mission of Kate Hull's Books
Editing, Craft, Book Reviewing & AI: Ekta Garg on Writing and Publishing
Steep Reflections: Craig Yorke on Memory and Identity
Author Visibility Without Burnout: Lisa Towles on The Me Factor (Branding, Audience & Social Media)
Caroline Ailanthus on The Elf, The Dwarf and the Telegraph (Book 1): Epic Fantasy, Democracy, and Environmental Justice
Peg Unhinged: Menopause, Dating Apps, and Reinventing Life — with Author Teri M. Brown
S5 Ep 218Author Jess Bowers on Horse Show: Spectacle, History, and Writing Short Stories
Host Edith interviews author and college professor Jess Bowers about her debut short story collection, Horse Show, named one of Electric Literature’s most exciting debut collections of 2024. Bowers, a lifelong equestrian and haflinger owner, explains that each story features a horse (or horse-adjacent animal/object) and a “show,” using entertainment and spectacle to examine human mistreatment and misunderstanding of horses and other sentient beings. She discusses research methods shaped by her PhD in English, including archives, photographs, and repeated film viewing, and shares a disturbing unused anecdote about Eben Byers giving radioactive water to racehorses. Bowers reflects on favorite stories, the appeal and demands of short fiction, challenges of dialogue, harmful breeding trends, and her next animal-focused collection, including a new story, “Canis X Machina.”00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:29 Horse Woman Origins02:06 Vienna Horse Culture05:14 Inside Horse Show07:37 Write What You Know12:36 Research Rabbit Holes16:17 Darkest Unused Fact19:39 Most Touching Stories22:23 Breeding for Vanity26:50 Spanish Riding School29:51 Why Short Stories Work31:28 Why Short Stories Win33:12 Reading Short Stories Differently35:50 Writing Short Stories Takes Patience40:18 Ideas Over Plot42:12 Visual Thinking and Photos46:22 Dialogue and Script Curiosity50:29 Horses and Forgotten History53:29 Advice for Aspiring Writers55:46 New Work and Animal Collection58:36 Final Thoughts and FarewellIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion Follow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/book_companion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA Feedback is always welcome: [email protected] Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
S5 Ep 217Through the Lens of Fiction: Bringing Family Stories to Life
Host Edith welcomes author Tudor Alexander to Book Lover’s Companion to discuss his historical fiction family saga The Last Patient, published in February 2025. Alex explains the novel is inspired by his parents’ and his own experiences across five decades of communism in Romania, ending with his parents’ immigration to the United States and the challenges of starting over in their sixties, including a doctor’s inability to practice without U.S. exams. He describes limited research due to lived experience, the need to fictionalize for narrative arc, and generally positive reader reception with over 100 strong reviews. Alex previews a companion novel based on his Jewish wife’s family history, In Darkness and Light, and shares his writing routine (about 500 words daily), views on marketing, and advice to aspiring writers to write daily and organize life around the craft.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:05 What The Last Patient Is03:36 Romania Under Communism06:34 Research vs Lived Memory10:05 Reader Reception and Reviews11:28 Companion Book on Jewish Story17:06 Defection and Leaving Romania24:40 Why People Don’t Revolt27:38 Immigrating in Your Sixties29:50 Writing Routine and Marketing35:18 Marketing Grind Reality36:37 Breakthrough Success Stories38:57 Maturity To Write Novels41:25 Romania Readings Translation42:39 POV And Editing Notes45:15 Writing What You Know47:07 Immigrant Experience Theme54:01 Advice For Aspiring Authors56:59 History Books Connections01:01:18 Upcoming Books And Wrap UpIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanionFollow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/book_companionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uAFeedback is always welcome: [email protected]: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
S5 Ep 216A Writer's Odyssey: Lexy's Path from Legal Ventures to Literary Adventures
Host Edith welcomes fiction author Lexy, a retiring or recovering lawyer joining from Paris, to discuss her cross-genre romantic supernatural thriller series. Lexy explains that the first three books can be read in any order (including a legal thriller, a coming-of-age high school story, and a WWII Deep South historical romance), with storylines converging later, and that the series will span eight books. They focus on book five, released in October, which tells the villains’ backstory through an eternal-mates couple tasked with keeping reality functioning, drawing on comparative religion, mythology, metaphysics, biology, and themes of consciousness. Lexy shares her varied career path (modeling, acting, music, science, law, startups, 23andMe), discusses neuroscience sparked by medical experience, critiques traditional publishing gatekeeping, and advocates self-publishing, comic cons, and clear goals for writers.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:40 Series Genres and Structure02:01 Book Five Overview03:33 Metaphysics and Consciousness05:54 From Arts to Law08:59 Law School Stress Stories13:48 Neuroscience and Serotonin Crisis17:36 Raising Kids and Family Editing20:41 Forces of Nature Romance25:11 Building an Eight Book Saga28:23 Editing and Spinoff Tales33:33 History Politics and Publishing39:51 Comic Cons and Self Publishing41:50 Agent Conference Reality Check43:04 Prologues and Gatekeeping44:44 Why Self Publish44:51 Kayo Plot and Pushback47:01 Misogyny on Zoom Call48:07 Control and Indie Power49:49 Appearance Versus Reality52:46 Fanning Fireflies Characters55:48 Planting Seeds Through Fiction59:44 Echo Chambers and Oligarchy01:05:15 Publishing Funnel to Mediocrity01:09:37 Advice for Aspiring Authors01:14:08 Readers Not Fans01:16:31 Write Crap and Support Indie01:17:17 Final Thanks and Sign OffIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanionFollow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/book_companionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uAFeedback is always welcome: [email protected]: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
S5 Ep 215Creating Realities: Kristina Bak on Writing for Every Age
Host Edith welcomes returning guest Kristina Bak from Bellingham, Washington to discuss the third and final book in Bak’s near-future, non-dystopian YA trilogy about Stevie, a young healer shaped by her father’s disappearance, a childhood abduction, and traumatic amnesia. Bak explains how Stevie’s coming-of-age from 16 to 18 culminates in new strength as she navigates an uneasy friendship with Coral, a homeless teen caregiver who claims a gift for accompanying the dying and asks Stevie to ease patients’ pain, raising questions of trust and escalating toward a life-and-death climax. The conversation also covers characters “talking” to authors, reading as comfort and escapism, the value of writers’ groups, marketing via Facebook and a website, plans for an audiobook collection, support for independent bookstores and libraries amid censorship pressures, and Bak’s shift toward a dark adult literary project set in Australia.00:00 Welcome Back Kristina01:05 Stevie Takes Over02:51 Fatherless Daughters Theme06:09 Book Three Setup07:49 Coral And Hospice10:59 Characters That Talk13:45 Why We Read Fiction19:02 Non Dystopian Comfort22:38 YA Fiction Bravery26:05 Finding Coral Voice28:19 Next Writing Chapter29:37 Writers Group Life31:27 Self Doubt And Marketing32:43 Social Media And Website37:25 Bookstores Kindle Audiobook41:25 Writing For Readers Not Money44:26 Libraries Censorship And Control50:17 Politics Anxiety And News53:59 Next Dark Australia Novella58:04 Authentic Marketing And FarewellIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanionFollow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/book_companionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uAFeedback is always welcome: [email protected]: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
S5 Ep 214Whimsical Worlds: The Enduring Allure of Fairy Tales with Ekta Garg
In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith welcomes author, editor, and book podcast host Ekta Garg Ekta from Illinois to dive into the world of modern fairy tales. They discuss Ter's book, 'The Witch's Apprentice and Their Stories,' a micro collection of short stories filling the gaps in beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes. They explore the relevance of fairy tales today, the process of fracturing fairy tales, and the importance of universal themes. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on creative writing, the preservation of languages, and Ter's future writing projects. Tune in for an enriching discussion about the timeless magic of fairy tales and storytelling!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Discussing 'The Witch's Apprentice'01:35 The Relevance of Fairy Tales Today02:45 Exploring the Origins of Fairy Tales03:58 Diving into the Writing Process06:39 Modern Takes on Classic Tales08:37 The Emotional Impact of Fairy Tales16:02 Fairy Tales for Adults28:22 The Evolution of Fairy Tales29:01 The Little Mermaid: A Tale of Transformation29:41 The Role of Reading in Historical Context30:30 Language Preservation and Cultural Identity34:12 The Impact of AI on Art and Creativity47:40 Hollywood Gossip and Movie Insights51:45 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanionFollow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/book_companionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uAFeedback is always welcome: [email protected]: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
S5 Ep 213Crafting Complex Characters: Carmen Amato on Writing and Cultural Influence
In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, Edith interviews Carmen Amato, a CIA veteran, crime fiction writer, and dog mom, about her exciting novels. They delve into Carmen's popular Emelia Cruz Mystery series and the Gallo Club historical fiction thrillers. Carmen shares insights about her characters, her experiences in the CIA influencing her writing, the research process behind her books, and the inspiration from her family history. They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing about complex themes like corruption, femicide, and Mexican society. Carmen offers valuable advice for aspiring authors and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming releases and audiobooks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:37 Meet Carmen Amato: Dog Mom and Author01:50 Diving into the Emelia Cruz Mystery Series02:29 Barracuda Bay: Plot and Characters08:38 Exploring Mexican Society and Corruption18:34 Challenges and Realities of Publishing25:52 Carmen's Writing Process30:26 Organized Writing System31:03 Challenges with Character Names32:21 First Person Narration33:32 Femicide in Mexican Society39:39 Historical Fiction Inspiration44:07 Researching for Historical Fiction47:49 Advice for Aspiring Authors53:45 Upcoming Releases and Projects57:25 Audiobooks Announcement59:13 Conclusion and FarewellIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanionFollow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/book_companionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uAFeedback is always welcome: [email protected]: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E