The Mythic Mic Podcast

Bethany Amanda
  • 5.0 (37)
  • BOOKS

Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast - a home for readers who dream in magic! Dive into the world of fantasy and romantasy with hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan, writers, storytellers, and book collectors obsessed with epic tales, swoon-worthy tropes, and magical worlds. Join us for deep dives into fantasy books, exclusive author interviews, monthly giveaways, and bookish discussions that will add endless reads to your TBR. Plus, don't miss our "Author's Version" episodes, where we share insider tips and advice to help aspiring authors write their first books! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a writer dreaming of publishing your own novel, or just discovering the magic, you belong here. Subscribe now and step into the adventure!  Follow us on Instagram @MythicMicPod, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill. Learn more about the podcast and sign up for our exclusive newsletter at https://mythicmic.com 

  1. 2D AGO

    S.2 Ep.22 Invisible Errors, Visible Impact: Cultural Accuracy and Sensitivity Editing with Hannah Gomez

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where great stories deserve great craft, world building goes beyond imagination, and the details you don't see can matter the most.  This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with Hannah Gomez, Senior Editor and Director of Cultural Accuracy and Sensitivity Editorial Services at Kevin Anderson & Associates, for one of the most eye-opening craft conversations we’ve had yet — especially for aspiring authors. We dive into what cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually means (and what it doesn’t), why fantasy and invented worlds are never as disconnected from real history as we think, and how small overlooked details can quietly break reader trust. Hannah shares how her work helps authors strengthen their stories, avoid unintentional harm, and build more immersive, believable worlds — not by policing creativity, but by sharpening it. From goblin stereotypes with real historical roots to cookbook naming pitfalls to fantasy races that accidentally mirror real-world bias, this episode pulls back the curtain on blind spots most writers never realize they have until someone shows them. 📚 What if your “made-up” fantasy race isn’t actually neutral? 🔍 What tiny detail can break reader trust instantly? 🧠 And how can curiosity — not fear — make your writing stronger? If you’re an aspiring author, fantasy writer, or worldbuilder, this episode is a must-listen craft masterclass. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ What cultural accuracy and sensitivity editing actually is and why the name evolved.  ✨ The difference between “sensitivity” and simple factual or cultural accuracy.  ✨ Why fantasy worlds are never truly disconnected from real cultures and history.  ✨ Hidden historical roots behind common fantasy tropes (including goblins and witches).  ✨ The “IMDb goof” effect — how one wrong detail can pull readers out of a story.  ✨ Blind spots authors commonly have in both fiction and nonfiction.  ✨ Writing outside your lived experience and best practices that actually help.  ✨ Three essential self-check questions every author should ask while drafting.  ✨ How cultural accuracy edits work behind the scenes.  ✨ Budgeting for cultural accuracy edits as part of your publishing plan.  🐦 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📖 Guest: Hannah Gomez, Cultural Accuracy & Sensitivity Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates: @KaWriting ✨ Mention this episode when reaching out to Kevin Anderson & Associates and Hannah will extend a listener discount on her services.

    50 min

  2. 4D AGO

    S.2 Ep.21: When Beauty Summons Beasts: Tessonja Odette on The Lies That Summon the Night

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where fantasy romance spans every mood, tropes are meant to be devoured, and writing careers are built one brave decision at a time.  In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling romantasy author Tessonja Odette to talk about her genre-spanning catalog, her indie-to-traditional publishing journey, and her upcoming dark fantasy romance, The Lies That Summon The Night. From cozy fae rom-coms to shadowy, art-forbidden worlds filled with monsters and hunters, Tessonja shares how experimentation, persistence, and reader awareness shaped her career. We dive into Tessonja's 15-year road to publishing her first book, why “failing forward” in indie publishing helped her find her true voice, and how paying attention to reader behavior and market shifts led her to pursue a traditional deal. We also explore her creative process, how she pushes through self-doubt and writer’s block, and why finding your writing crew might be the single most important step for aspiring authors. Then we step into the dark, dangerous world of her newest release, where art is illegal, artists are fugitives, shadow monsters are drawn to creativity, and survival may depend on an uneasy alliance with a deadly hunter. 🎨 What if creating art could get you hunted? 🩸 What if your only protection came from the one man who could turn you in? 🕯️ And what happens when dark fantasy, romance, and rebellion collide? This episode is a must-listen for romantasy readers, trope lovers, and aspiring authors navigating their own publishing path. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Tessonja’s creative roots in art, music, and punk bands, and why she ultimately chose writing. ✨ The 15-year journey behind her first novel and the reality of rewriting, doubt, and persistence. ✨ Imposter syndrome, research overwhelm, and pushing through creative paralysis. ✨ Why publishing her early work — even when it didn’t succeed — helped her grow faster. ✨ Experimenting across fae fantasy, fairy tale retellings, cozy rom-coms, and dark fantasy romance. ✨ The shift in indie vs. traditional fantasy romance audiences and what changed. ✨ How watching reader behavior helped guide her publishing strategy. ✨ Why genre-shifting is becoming more accepted for authors. ✨ The importance of finding your writing crew and peer support circle. ✨ Recurring themes in her books: found family and romance as emotional healing. ✨ Inside The Lies That Summon the Night: forbidden art, outlaw storytellers, shadow monsters, and a half-vampire hunter hero.  ✨ Why emotional damage is basically her brand promise to readers.  ✨ Teasing book two (already written) and what’s next in the trilogy.  CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 📚 Tessonja Odette – @tessonja ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, leave us a review — it helps more fantasy and romantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

    43 min

  3. JAN 20

    S.2 Ep. 20: Of Swans, Shadows, and Stolen Princesses: Inside Lyra Selene's Fair Folk Trilogy

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast — where old stories are reborn, fairy tales grow teeth, and fantasy dares to ask harder questions about love, identity, and choice. This week, host Bethany Amanda is joined by bestselling author Lyra Selene, the mind behind The Fair Folk Trilogy — A Feather So Black, A Crown So Silver, and the just-released finale, A Heart So Green. If you love Celtic folklore, mythic romance, morally complex characters, and fairy tales that refuse to stay simple, this conversation is for you. Lyra takes us deep into the origins of The Fair Folk Trilogy, from living in rural Ireland as a child to falling in love with Irish mythology, wild landscapes, and the question of why we keep returning to the same stories over and over again. We talk about her lifelong relationship with storytelling, the winding road to publication, and why perseverance — not talent — is often the deciding factor in an author’s career. We also dive into what makes this trilogy so emotionally resonant: a changeling heroine caught between worlds, a Swan Princess story turned inside out, and relationships built on tension between what a character wants and what they truly need. Lyra opens up about writing complicated heroines, controversial love triangles, and villains who genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing — even when they’re not. 🦢 What happens when the Swan Princess isn’t the hero? 🌿 How do myth, landscape, and folklore shape a fantasy world from the inside out? 💔 And why are the most devastating endings often the most honest? This episode is a love letter to mythic fantasy, character-driven storytelling, and the beauty of bittersweet endings that linger long after the final page. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… ✨ Lyra’s childhood spent moving between countries, including a formative year in Ireland, and how that shaped her imagination. ✨ The Fair Folk Trilogy as a Celtic-inspired reimagining of Swan Lake and The Swan Princess. ✨ Writing fantasy that feels mythic, lyrical, deeply romantic, and grounded. ✨ Why Lyra considers herself a character-first writer and how internal vs. external wants drive story tension. ✨ Love triangles, banter, and relationships that force characters to confront who they really are. ✨ Turning the Swan Princess into the villain, and why Lyra believes great villains never think they’re the villain. ✨ The theme of self-acceptance and choosing yourself over romance. ✨ The realities of publishing: multiple books that didn’t sell, switching agents, and learning to keep your eyes on your own paper. ✨ What to expect from A Heart So Green, including new POVs, higher stakes, and an ending that is earned, bittersweet, and unforgettable.  ✨ What Lyra is working on next, including a Roaring Twenties–inspired adult fantasy standalone.  🐦 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Guest Author: Lyra Selene – @lyraselene ✨ Loved this episode? Leaving a rating or review helps more fantasy readers discover The Mythic Mic.

    41 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    S.2 Ep. 19: Rewriting the Writer's Mind: Rachel Giffin on Confidence, Craft & the Creative Journey

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast where creativity meets courage, stories are shaped long before they're written, and finishing a book starts with believing.  This week, host Sara Santillan sits down with writing coach Rachel Giffin, whose blend of mindset work, emotional intelligence, structure, and tough love has helped countless writers finally finish the book they’ve been dreaming of. Rachel brings an authenticity and clarity to the writing process that is rare — one that cuts through fear, perfectionism, and overwhelm to get to the truth: you can do this, even when it feels impossible. Rachel shares her path from film school to writing to coaching, how she discovered her gift for guiding writers through resistance, and why she believes emotional regulation is just as important as craft. We unpack what really stops writers from completing their books, the questions she uses to break through mental blocks, and how to show up for your writing even when motivation disappears. 🔥 What happens when you stop waiting to “feel ready”? 📝 Why the stories we write are often the ones we’re scared to face 💪 And how a writing coach can help you build not just a book but a writing identity Whether you’re drafting your first novel or revisiting a project you’ve abandoned 10 times, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, strengthened, and ready to return to the page. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…✨ How Rachel became a writing coach and why confidence, not talent, is often the missing piece ✨ The mindset patterns she sees most often in writers and how to break them ✨ Why open-mindedness matters more than experience when working with a coach ✨ The real role of a writing coach vs. what people think coaches do ✨ Why perfectionism, fear, and emotional overwhelm stop writers more than craft issues ✨ Rachel’s signature question-based coaching method and how it rewires resistance ✨ How to build a writing habit even on days when motivation evaporates ✨ The importance of separating facts from feelings ✨ Her favorite client success stories — and the moment she knew she was meant to do this work 🐦 CONNECT WITH US🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill 👤 Guest: Rachel Giffin – @rachel_giffin_writes ✨ If this episode gave you the push you needed to return to your book, leave us a rating & review — it helps more writers find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    42 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    S.2 Ep.18: Faith, Fury, and the Firebird: Inside Sarah Mughal Rana’s Fantasy Debut, Dawn of the Firebird

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast — where fantasy blends craft and culture, heroines rise from discipline and conviction, and every story has a fire at its core. In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Sarah Mughal Rana, whose upcoming fantasy novel Dawn of the Firebird is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Rooted in Sarah’s lifelong martial arts practice, her cultural heritage, and years of deep historical and philosophical study, this book delivers the kind of character-first, world-rich epic fantasy we can’t stop thinking about. Sarah takes us behind the curtain of her writing journey — from drafting the earliest version of this book in high school, to joining Pitch Wars, to working with an agent who encouraged her to strip away the very cultural heart that made her story whole. She talks openly about walking away, finding an agent who championed the book as it truly is, and the long road from deal announcement to publication date. We also dive into the intense physicality of her heroine, the discipline and spirituality embedded in the world, and the way Sarah’s love of anime, history, and myth wove themselves together to shape an epic that feels as intimate as it is cinematic. 🔥 What does it take to write a heroine forged in discipline rather than destiny? 🕊️ How does a story evolve when an author refuses to compromise what matters? ⚔️ And how do martial arts, culture, and philosophy become the backbone of an entire fantasy trilogy? This is a powerful conversation about resilience, creativity, and honoring the story only you can tell. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…✨ How real martial arts training shaped Khamilla's movement, mindset, and emotional arc. ✨ The cultural influences behind the Firebird and why the book draws on ancient mythology without replicating Western fantasy traditions. ✨ The role of discipline, faith, and philosophy in building a world and a heroine. ✨ Sarah’s Pitch Wars experience and what she learned about standing firm in her creative identity. ✨ Navigating agents, bad advice, and finding the right advocate for your work. ✨ The long acquisition-to-publication timeline and how it changed her writing. ✨ Why anime became a structural and emotional influence for the trilogy. ✨ What Sarah is working on next, including a chess-inspired fantasy. 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Sarah Mughal Rana – IG: @sarahmughal769 🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMic ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If you loved this episode, please leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    47 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    S.2 Ep. 17: Love Across Time: Elise Helliwell on Within the Space of a Second

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story! In this episode, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with debut author Elise Helliwell, whose dazzling time-travel romance Within the Space of a Second will leave you questioning fate, time, and the meaning of love itself. Set against a backdrop of mystery and magic, this novel follows an introverted academic and a charismatic time traveler whose destinies collide across years and realities. It’s emotional, intricate, and breathtakingly romantic — the perfect blend of Divine Rivals, The Seven Year Slip, and A Discovery of Witches. 🕰️ What if you could go back in time to uncover the truth about your past? 💫 What if every difference you thought made you strange was the key to your destiny? 🔥 And what if the love of your life had already met you in another timeline? Elise joins us from Queensland, Australia, to talk about her unconventional path from radiographer to author, the early mornings spent writing before sunrise, and the power of believing in your story even when no one else knows it exists. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT… 📚 How Within the Space of a Second was born — finished just one day before Elise gave birth to her first child ⏰ Writing between 4 and 5:30 a.m. (and why discipline beats “free time” every time) 🏆 How Elise landed her publishing deal with Atria (Simon & Schuster) through a live pitch competition 💔 The emotional heart of her story — that our differences make us extraordinary 💋 The “forbidden touch” first kiss scene that placed second in the Romance Writers of Australia’s First Kiss Competition 🕯️ Time travel, hidden identities, found family, and the soul-deep ache of a he falls first love story 📖 What aspiring authors can learn from Elise’s writing process and her top advice on edits, pitching, and perseverance 🪶 Sneak peek: Book two in The Mark of the Time Traveler series — and a contemporary rom-com she describes as Bridget Jones’s Diary meets The Love Hypothesis 💫 CONNECT WITH US 📖 Follow Elise Helliwell – IG: @elisehelliwellauthor 🎙️ Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland 🎙️Sara Santillan – IG: @The_Magical_Quill 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic) 🛒 Within the Space of a Second releases November 25 (Kindle Unlimited) and May (US hardcover) through Atria/Simon & Schuster — add it to your TBR now! ✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you believe in love across time, second chances, or early-morning writing miracles, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.

    37 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    S.2 Ep. 16: Alchemised: A Mythic Mic Deep Dive with Karina Giada (Part 2)

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where worlds are built one choice at a time, magic always has a cost, and we believe side characters deserve just as much obsession as main ones. This week, we’re returning to Alchemised for Part 2 of our deep-dive discussion. If Part 1 was about the plot, main characters, and emotional impact, this episode is about everything beneath it — the gods, the history, the side characters, and the uncomfortable question of which side is "good" when it comes to war. Hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan are joined again by artist and Alchemised superfan Karina Giada, who returns to help us peel back every narrative layer. We dig into the origins of alchemy, the celestial history of Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how one divine catastrophe reshaped the world. We also talk about why the Order of the Eternal Flame may not be as righteous as they seem, how religion became a weapon of control, and the moral line the resistance refused to cross to win the war. Finally, we spend time on some major side characters, including Luc, Lila, and Soren.  This episode is for readers who love deep worldbuilding, ethical gray zones, and the kind of magic systems that reveal character as much as they drive plot. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS… ✨ The celestial origin of alchemy and why lumithium changed everything. ✨ Sol, Lumithia, and Luna, and how the gods/celestial objects still shape the world even in the background. ✨ The moral dilemma of necromancy and whether the Resistance made the right call.  ✨ Why the Order’s version of “purity” starts to look like control.  ✨ Side characters who quietly redefine the narrative, including Lila and Soren, and whether Helena had a crush on Luc.  ✨ How history decides who the heroes were, and how this story challenges that. 📚 Missed Part 1? Go listen to that one first — it sets the groundwork for everything here.  🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. CONNECT WITH US: 🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 👤Host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 👤Host Sara Santillan – @The_Magical_Quill 🎨 Guest: Karina Giada – @karinagiada 💬 If you love these deep dives, leave a rating & review — it helps more fantasy readers find our chaos.

    1h 14m

  8. 11/17/2025

    S.2 Ep. 15: The Love That Defied the Stars: Imani Erriu on Heavenly Bodies and Fallen Stars

    🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths take shape, stories become prophecy, and romantasy is a way of life. Today, host Bethany Amanda sits down with bestselling author Imani Erriu, creator of Heavenly Bodies and the highly-anticipated sequel Fallen Stars. From writing her first kiss scene during lockdown to landing a five-book traditional deal after indie success, Imani walks us through the celestial world of Star-gods, fated romance, shadow selves, and breathtaking cliffhangers that will have readers screaming. ✨ If you love lush world building, enemies-to-lovers tension, and myth-soaked fantasy with heart and depth, this episode will feel like coming home. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS… 🌙 The Origin Story of Heavenly Bodies: How a single Pinterest quote sparked an epic celestial romance and became the emotional backbone of the entire series.  📚 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing — and Why Imani Did Both: Imani shares why she chose to indie publish first, how it changed her self-worth as an author, and the moment the traditional deal found her instead of the other way around.  ⚔️ Enemies to Lovers + Duality Themes: How light vs. dark becomes a story of healing, shadow integration, and self-love,  not just romance.  🌑 The Shadow Self as Fantasy Magic: Why Elara’s darkness isn’t something to defeat but rather something to embrace, and how real-world trauma and self-acceptance shaped the emotional core of the story.  💥 That Book One Betrayal You know the one we're talking about, and why you should go into book two with an open heart.  🌊 What to Expect in Fallen Stars A dark maritime adventure with pirates, mermaids, Victorian gothic atmosphere, and a furious heroine burning to wake her beloved. PLUS a new villain and multiple POVs.  📖 Five Books, One Fate Yes — this is a FIVE-BOOK series. Yes — the cliffhangers get worse. No — Imani does not feel bad. You have been warned. 😈 🪐 CONNECT WITH US 📚 Follow Imani Erriu – @authorimanierriu 🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic 💫 Follow host Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland 📝 Order Heavenly Bodies & pre-order Fallen Stars wherever books are sold ✨ Love this episode? Leave us a review! Every review helps more romantasy lovers find their way to us and prevents us from throwing ourselves into the sea with Fallen Stars cliffhangers.

    47 min
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About

Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast - a home for readers who dream in magic! Dive into the world of fantasy and romantasy with hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan, writers, storytellers, and book collectors obsessed with epic tales, swoon-worthy tropes, and magical worlds. Join us for deep dives into fantasy books, exclusive author interviews, monthly giveaways, and bookish discussions that will add endless reads to your TBR. Plus, don't miss our "Author's Version" episodes, where we share insider tips and advice to help aspiring authors write their first books! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a writer dreaming of publishing your own novel, or just discovering the magic, you belong here. Subscribe now and step into the adventure!  Follow us on Instagram @MythicMicPod, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill. Learn more about the podcast and sign up for our exclusive newsletter at https://mythicmic.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Amanda
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mythic Mic Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mythic Mic Podcast

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