Romantasy Readers | Novel Theories

BookTok made her book go viral… and then traditional publishing came knocking.

This week, we’re joined by Sheila Masterson, bestselling author of the dark romance sensation The Poison Daughter, to talk about the whirlwind journey from indie publishing to breakout success.
We talk about what it actually feels like when your book takes off, the realities of going from indie to traditional publishing, the highs and surprises of the process, and what happens when the story you created starts becoming much bigger than you ever expected.
Plus:
The story behind The Poison Daughter
How BookTok and Bookstagram helped propel the book
Going from indie author to traditional publishing
The whirlwind of getting signed
What surprised Sheila most about the publishing world
What comes next
And… could The Poison Daughter be making it's way to Hulu?

Whether you already love The Poison Daughter, found Sheila through BookTok, or you’re fascinated by what happens when an indie book suddenly catches fire, this conversation is such a fun look behind the curtain.

And, truly, Sheila is an absolute delight. ❤️

Nicole and Meghan take on the evidence for Gwyn and Azriel in the Great Azriel Ship War!

Digging into a debate that started on social media, follow along in the first episode of Novel Theories (formerly Romantasy Readers Podcast) with us as we surface the top evidence for the possible future of Gwyn and Azriel! We uncover the strongest arguments, analyze what makes them work, where might they fall apart, and what we think this means for the future of the Maasverse!

As we move on to the front lines in this war, our first battle will tackle Gwyn and Azriel (Gwynriel), followed in part 2 by Elain and Azriel (Elriel), part 3 on Bryce and Azriel (Bryceriel), and--perhaps--a part 4 on Eris and Azriel (Azris!).

We want to hear all of your comments, thoughts, feedback, arguments--what are the pieces of these ships that work for you? Where do they crumble?

Just remember--there are rules:
- Your arguments must be based in textual evidence, foreshadowing, symbolism, parallels, or lore.
- Your arguments must not be based on author interviews or commentary or personal opinion of preferred story line. If it can't be proven by the text it doesn't exist! (For this debate!)

Happy debating!

In this episode we get to sit down with Alley, co-host of Romantasy Readers, as she bids us farewell as a permanent host in order to continue growing her author business!
Alley, also known as the author Alexandria Arden, is in the middle of writing her 4th book as her 3rd book -- a hockey romance called "After Further Review" is headed for release! Between her Thayar Crown series (The Witch Queen, The Shining Prince) and her new hockey romance, Alley has been insanely busy on tour!

Hear about her run in with a freak tornado accident recently, how it impacted her business growth, and hear her thoughts on the upcoming ACOTAR 6 and 7 releases!

We will miss Alley being here regularly, but she will continue on a guest host whenever she wants! We look forward to this new chapter with Meghan as our new permanent host...and stay tuned because a few changes are coming...

Join Nicole as she sits down to talk with Megan Gad (@megangadreads) to discuss:
What's going on with Sarah and Bloomsbury?
Is Rhysand evil?
What about Bryceriel?
And so much more!

Show Note: Megan and Nicole recorded this episode prior to the ACOTAR 6 and 7 title and blurb releases. There is the possibility that some items discussed are no longer as relevant as they were prior to recording. BUT! We still want to hear all of your questions! Sound off below with your thoughts, comments, theories, and more.

Is Crescent City in the past and ACOTAR in the future? Is Ragnarok going to happen on Midgard? Is Rhys collecting powerful people—and using the siphons to block Azriel and Cassian’s true power?

In this episode, Part 2 of our Wild Maasverse Theories, we cover all these questions an so much more!

Join Nicole and Meghan as they get a little unhinged, dive deeper, and bring back the Maasverse Theory Spectrum! Is it going Straight in the Cauldron? Does it have Ironteeth? Maybe…just maybe it’s a Fireheart!