Indie author Kelsey Painter joins the show to talk about her books, her current project and her writing journey. Check out her latest book, How Deep is the Ocean which just released in May.

This episode has a little bit of everything with no shortage of books to talk about. Some of the titles we take a look at include Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Correspondent, Remarkably Bright Creatures, Whalefall, and the Odyssey to name a few.

Plus, Holly shares an Indie focused 2026 Beach Reads list that includes titles from Jenn Bouchard, Ally Hollis, Becca Lopez, Jenny Kane, Tonya Kappes, Usher Evans and a few others. All cozy mysteries and fun foodie/beachy reads. It will definitely fill up your TBR.

Until next time.... #HappyReading!

About Speaking LITerally

Resident bookworms Liz & Holly explore their favorite world--BOOKS--in this all new podcast focused around new releases, old favorites, and everything in between.

What are you reading? Find our their favorites and upcoming reads along with stories from authors and more on Speaking LITerally!

Follow on Instagram

• @speakliterallypodcast
• @lizzieslittlebooknook
• @azdesert_bookworm

Lis McDermott joins the show to talk about her writing process, and her books! Specially, the latest in her series, The Beaconsbury Forest, which has book 3, Kian, releasing on June 17.

What are your thoughts on the AI controversy? We discuss some current AI concerns and thoughts as well as Brandon Sanderson's latest adaptation announcement.

Additionally, some books discussed through out the episode include Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry.

Take a listen and enjoy!

#HappyReading

About Speaking LITerally

Resident bookworms Liz & Holly explore their favorite world--BOOKS--in this all new podcast focused around new releases, old favorites, and everything in between.

What are you reading? Find our their favorites and upcoming reads along with stories from authors and more on Speaking LITerally!

Follow on Instagram

• @speakliterallypodcast
• @lizzieslittlebooknook
• @azdesert_bookworm

We can't wait to talk about several authors who just announced new books. Plus, what happened at BookCon? There is quite a bit of book news to talk about before getting into the Book Club Discussion on McConaghy's Wild Dark Shores.

In this episode we also discuss Bromeliad House by Jessika Grewe Glover and Piranesi by Suzanna Clark.

Catch up on all the latest bookish news!

#HappyReading

About Speaking LITerally

Resident bookworms Liz & Holly explore their favorite world--BOOKS--in this all new podcast focused around new releases, old favorites, and everything in between.

What are you reading? Find our their favorites and upcoming reads along with stories from authors and more on Speaking LITerally!

Follow on Instagram

• @speakliterallypodcast
• @lizzieslittlebooknook
• @azdesert_bookworm