Cylia & Erik debrief after their conversation with Mary Berman, discuss the blurry definitions of "literary" fiction, and then things go wrong.

Debut author of UNTIL DEATH, Mary Berman, joins Cylia and Erik for this episode where Mary recalls her early favorites, current influences, and cursed Pennsylvania produce.

Cylia and Erik reflect on their interview with Fonda Lee and her newest book, The Last Contract of Isako. Cylia accidentally reads another horror book and Erik gets on his soapbox to talk directly to dude readers.

Cylia and Erik welcome best selling author of the Green Bone Saga and more, Fonda Lee, to discuss her newest book THE LAST CONTRACT OF ISAKO, how multiple inspirations collided to form the story, and her favorite Star Trek captain.

Cylia & Erik discuss stand out moments from their interview with Wendy N. Wagner, content warnings, upcoming book releases, and Erik's unorthodox note taking technique.

Cylia and Erik are joined by lauded author of GIRL IN THE CREEK and editor-in-chief of NIGHTMARE MAGAZINE, Wendy N. Wagner for a conversation about Wendy's creative inspirations and the many different definitions of horror!

Cylia and Erik discuss the podcast structure and overall theme, last week's conversation with Elizabeth Bear (and the booklist it generated), and give each other assignments.

Find the booklist posted on the Connect the Plots Patreon or website:

www.connecttheplots.com

www.patreon.com/connecttheplotspod

Cylia and Erik are joined by award-winning author Elizabeth Bear.

Books discussed during this conversation (75 titles!) will be posted for supporters on the Connect the Plots Patreon - www.patreon.com/connecttheplotspod - and will later be shared with next week's "plotting" episode where Cylia and Erik debrief and give each other reading homework!

You can find more from Elizabeth Bear at her website https://www.elizabethbear.com/, her Patreon, Instagram, or on Bluesky.