Big J's World Podcast

Big J

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Welcome to Big J’s World. Hosted by Big J, we dive deep into BookTok energy, dark romance, the Star Trek Alien-verse, and indie author spotlights and everything in between. Join us for weekly deep dives, high-energy vibes, and unfiltered conversations.

4h ago

Confessions of a Comma Queen with Kristina

Confessions of a Comma Queen with Kristina | From Editor to AuthorWhat happens when the person behind the red pen decides to step to the other side of the page?In this episode of Big J’s World, I sit down with Kristina, an editor and soon to be author, to talk about her journey into the publishing world, what really happens behind the scenes during the editing process, and what she has learned from working closely with indie authors.From her beginnings in paralegal studies to earning the nickname “Comma Queen,” Kristina shares how her eye for detail eventually turned into a passion for helping authors strengthen their stories while still protecting their individual voices.✍️ From Paralegal to “Comma Queen”Before becoming an editor, Kristina studied to become a paralegal, where attention to detail was already a huge part of her work.That skill translated perfectly into editing, especially when it came to one thing:Commas.As she jokes with the authors she works with:“I’m like the comma queen. Don’t worry about your commas. I will tell you where they belong.”Through TikTok, Instagram, and the indie book community, Kristina began connecting with authors and turning her passion for editing into something much bigger.📚 Her First Official Editing ProjectKristina also takes us back to the first book she officially worked on as an editor.That project came from author Ariel Jury, whose military romance immediately caught Kristina’s attention.Being able to eventually hold that book in her hands will mean even more because it represents an important milestone in her career, the first book she worked on after officially stepping into the role of editor.🖊️ Editors vs. Authors: Finding the BalanceEditing someone else’s story isn’t always simple.Authors spend months or even years creating their characters and worlds, so receiving criticism or suggestions can sometimes be difficult.Kristina talks about navigating those conversations and finding the balance between recommending changes and respecting the author’s vision.Sometimes an editor may believe a scene, sentence, or section needs to change, but ultimately the story still belongs to the author.That collaboration is one of the most important parts of the editing process.❤️ When Editing Gets PersonalSome books leave a much deeper impression than expected.Kristina discusses working on What Remains of Grace, a story centered around grief that connected with her on a personal level.She explains that she didn’t realize how much she needed that particular story until she experienced it.The conversation becomes a reminder that books can be more than entertainment. Sometimes a story arrives at exactly the right moment and helps someone process something they may not have even realized they were carrying.📖 The Healing Power of StoriesWe also talk about the connection that can form between an author, an editor, and eventually the reader.A writer may create a story because they need to tell it, but once that story reaches the world, it can mean something completely different to the person reading it.Whether someone picks up a book to escape reality, experience another person's perspective, or simply enjoy a good story, the written word has the ability to connect people in unexpected ways.🎙️ From Editing Books to Writing OneKristina is now preparing to experience publishing from another perspective as an author herself.After spending so much time helping other writers develop their stories, she is beginning her own journey on the other side of the editing desk.We talk about what she has learned from authors, how editing has influenced the way she approaches her own writing, and what happens when the editor finally becomes the writer.If you love BookTok, indie authors, writing, editing, publishing, romance books, or behind the scenes conversations about how books are made, this episode is for you.
4d ago

Big J's World Presents A Manor, A Melody & a Whole Lot of Romance with Lindz Deaver

In this week’s edition, we delve into the world of indie author Lindz Deaver, who takes us through her inspiring journey of creativity and resilience in writing. Lindz brings a unique blend of personal experiences and imaginative storytelling that captivates her readers. The Journey BeginsLindz’s path to becoming an author was fueled by her vivid dreams and a love for writing. "I’ve always been a writer... I always wrote down my dreams and little stories," she shares. It was only after years of dreaming and jotting down ideas that she decided to write her first book.Her debut novel, *The Equation of Us*, is a rocker romance inspired by the band Sleep Token. It tells the story of Emery, a math professor who unexpectedly connects with a quirky guy at a coffee shop, only to discover he leads a secret life as a rock star. Lindz describes this book as "Hannah Montana for adults" — a fun and lighthearted read that blends humor and romance. Writing with PassionLindz’s writing process is deeply personal. Inspired by her favorite Sleep Token song, *Rain*, she wrote thirty thousand words in just five days, driven by both passion and a bit of spite after a naysayer challenged her. "You never say you can't do something to me, because that’s when I’ll do it," she laughs.With her first draft completed, she went through **seven drafts** before it was ready for publishing. "My first draft is nothing like the final product. It went through several different phases before it became an actual book," Lindz explains, highlighting the evolution of her work. Embracing the Editing ProcessEditing is often a love-hate relationship for writers, and Lindz is no exception. "I’m a creative person, but the technical side of editing isn’t my strong suit," she admits. Hiring an editor was essential for her, allowing her to focus on what she loves — storytelling.Despite the challenges, Lindz’s determination shines through. Her second book, *As a Matter of Fact*, is currently in the works, showcasing her growth as a writer. This slow-burn romance combines elements of *Gilmore Girls* and HGTV, focusing on character development and relationship dynamics. Reflections on Writing and LifeLindz's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and creativity. As she continues to write, she encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique voices and stories, no matter the obstacles.Lindz’s books are not just tales of romance; they reflect her life experiences, aspirations, and the magic of imagination. As she puts it, "To anyone who has ever doubted me, including myself, thank you for giving me the fire to prove us all wrong."Join us in celebrating Lindz Deaver’s journey and her commitment to storytelling. If you’re intrigued by her work, check out her books to explore the worlds she creates!
5d ago

Between the Pages and the Hype with EastMoon

Between the Pages and the Hype with Miss East MoonWhat happens when BookTok hype meets a reader who isn’t afraid to have her own opinion?In this episode of **Big J’s World**, I sit down with **Miss East Moon** for a fun, unfiltered conversation about fantasy, romance, dark romance, favorite reads, questionable fictional men, and the books that live rent-free in our heads.From *Fourth Wing* and *Crescent City* to dark romance favorites and the never-ending debate over Sarah J. Maas reading orders, this episode is all about the books we love, the books that disappointed us, and the characters we absolutely would not trust in real life.## 📚 Fantasy, Romance & Dark RomanceMiss East Moon shares the genres she reaches for most: **fantasy, romance, and dark romance**.She talks about some of her standout reads, including **Star Side**, one of her favorite books of the year, and **Crown Me Dead**, one of her dark romance picks.Of course, no book conversation is complete without talking about the stories that leave such a strong impression that you wish you could experience them for the first time all over again.## 🌙 The Series She Wishes She Could ForgetIf Miss East Moon could completely erase one series from her memory just so she could reread it again for the first time, her answer is **Crescent City**.The emotions, characters, and world-building created an experience she would love to relive without knowing what was coming next.## 👑 The Sarah J. Maas Reading Order DebateThen we get into one of the book community’s favorite arguments:**What is the right order to read Sarah J. Maas?**Miss East Moon shares her preferred approach and explains how divided readers can be about the subject. Some completely agree with her order, while others are ready to fight for a different one.Because apparently reading order is serious business.## 🐉 Fourth Wing, Iron Flame & Fantasy HypeMiss East Moon also talks about the book that helped pull her into fantasy: ***Fourth Wing***.After hearing all the hype, she jumped into the series and immediately followed it with *Iron Flame*.While *Fourth Wing* became a favorite, *Iron Flame* didn’t quite hit the same way.We talk about what happens when a massively hyped sequel doesn’t live up to the experience of the first book—and whether BookTok hype can sometimes work against a story.## 🚩 Fictional Characters We Would NEVER TrustAnd then there’s **Jack from *Fourth Wing***.Could you trust him in real life?Miss East Moon’s answer is simple:**Absolutely not.**We get into fictional red flags, characters who keep us suspicious, and why readers somehow continue loving stories filled with people we would run away from if we ever met them in real life.## 🎙️ Between the Pages and the HypeThis episode is a relaxed, funny conversation between two readers talking about the things that make the book community so much fun: favorite books, unpopular opinions, BookTok hype, fantasy worlds, dark romance, fictional crushes, disappointments, and those books we wish we could experience again for the very first time.If you love **BookTok, fantasy, romantasy, romance, dark romance, Fourth Wing, Crescent City, Sarah J. Maas**, or just talking about books, this episode is for you.**Welcome to Big J’s World.**🎧 Listen to the full episode and join the conversation.What book would **you** erase from your memory just so you could read it again for the first time?
5d ago

Dragons, Unicorns & the Stories Between with Cori

What happens when a children’s book author decides the publishing world needs more dragons, more tomboys, and more books that actually meet young readers where they are? Cori, the illustrator and author behind Addie’s Fleet of Dragons, reveals how she’s building a career one story, one sketch, and one stubbornly original idea at a time.Big J sits down with Cori to unpack the messy, exciting reality of writing and illustrating for kids, from creating “early reader” chapter books to navigating a publishing market that still doesn’t quite know what to do with them. Cori shares how her daughter inspired her work, why she blends her own art with her child’s illustrations, and how that project unexpectedly motivated her daughter to make her own book too.You’ll discover:* Why Cori believes the space between picture books and middle grade is one of publishing’s biggest blind spots* How Harry Potter reshaped middle grade and why graphic novels exploded in response* What it takes to query as an author-illustrator, including storyboards, submission rounds, and agented publishing* Why Cori is building clean, kid-friendly stories with strong morals without compromising on fun* How she uses Procreate, cover art, and practice to grow as a working illustratorCori also opens up about her jump into adult fiction, her love of fantasy and mythology, and the books she actually reads when she’s off the clock, including her very candid takes on Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and other fan-favorite reads.If you’re a parent looking for thoughtful children’s books, an aspiring author wondering how to get started, or a creative trying to turn practice into a real body of work, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that you do not have to be great to begin.Perfect for readers, writers, illustrators, and anyone who loves hearing how a creative career really gets built.Cori is a children’s book author and illustrator known for Addie’s Fleet of Dragons and her “gaggle illustrations” brand across social platforms and her website.
6d ago

Big J's World Presents: Dead Girl Uncovered with Justin Diprima

Writing is a journey filled with personal stories, inspiration, and the courage to share one's voice. In this episode, Big J sits down with Justin De Prima, a writer whose passion for storytelling has led him to publish his debut novel, *Dead Girl*. The Spark of InspirationJustin's journey into writing began at a young age, inspired by his father, who was a master storyteller. He recalls, "My dad was a storyteller... he would just make [stories] up."This legacy of creativity shaped Justin's desire to write, leading him to explore the craft for 17 years before finally publishing his first book. The Writing Process and EducationUnderstanding the intricacies of writing is crucial, and Justin emphasizes the importance of education in honing his skills. He took classes at Gotham Writers, where he learned the foundational aspects of writing, including the nuances of dialogue punctuation. He shares: "Just to be able to make my stuff look and sound more professional has just been really, really cool." Developing *Dead Girl**Dead Girl* started as a writing prompt and evolved into a six-book series. Justin reveals: "I had written a book like my first book, which I still love, but I told myself I'm not gonna go back to this until I'm published."He draws inspiration from his friends’ mental health struggles, weaving their experiences into the narrative of his protagonist, Vanessa, who faces the haunting reality of dying repeatedly. A Passion for EditingUnlike many writers, Justin finds joy in the editing process. He explains: "I love editing... as long as it's coherent and somewhat makes sense in the aftermath."His dedication is evident, having edited *Dead Girl* over ten times, ensuring that the story resonates with readers. The Journey AheadWith the first two books of the *Dead Girl* series ready for release and plans for the next installments, Justin's journey is just beginning. He encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique paths and to seek support from their peers. "If you ever need anyone to lean on, please reach out because you know I've been there."As we reflect on Justin's inspiring journey, it’s clear that the road to becoming a published author is filled with challenges, perseverance, and the unyielding passion to share one's story. To dive deeper into Justin's experiences and the themes of *Dead Girl*, listen to the full episode.
Sep 4

Big J's World Presents Beyond the Nexus Realm with Jessica

What happens when a story that has lived in your head for nearly a decade finally makes its way onto the page?In this episode of **Big J’s World**, I sit down with debut author **Jessica Ruiz Villanueva** to talk about her journey from writing on a whim to preparing for the release of her upcoming fantasy romance novel, *Connected*.Jessica opens up about her unconventional writing process, creating a strong Latina main character, navigating indie publishing, and everything she has learned while bringing her first novel to life. ✍️ From an Idea to a NovelJessica never originally planned to write the story that would eventually become *Connected*. The idea had been living in her imagination for nearly ten years before one night changed everything.While feeling sick and homesick, she decided to sit down and write a scene.The twist? She started with what would eventually become **Chapter 19**.From there, Jessica kept writing until the story began to come together. As a self-described **pantser**, she embraced writing without a detailed outline and allowed the characters and story to guide her. 📖 Writing *Connected*Jessica completed her first draft in approximately **six weeks**, but she quickly learned that finishing a draft was only the beginning.She describes that first version as simply telling herself the story. With help from alpha readers, feedback from her writing group, and plenty of revisions, *Connected* slowly transformed into the novel she originally imagined.From beginning the manuscript to reaching the finished version, the entire journey took roughly **a year and a half to two years**. 🔥 Meet RainaAt the center of *Connected* is **Raina**, a strong, funny, no-filter Latina protagonist who suddenly finds herself navigating an unfamiliar world while dealing with questions surrounding her identity and memories.Jessica talks about why creating Latina representation in fantasy was important to her and how her own experiences as a reader influenced the type of main character she wanted to create. The Reality of Indie PublishingWriting the book is only part of the journey.Jessica also shares the realities of becoming an indie author—from marketing and building an audience to preparing for in-person events and managing the financial side of publishing.Her goal with *Connected* is simple: get the book into readers' hands, build connections, and continue growing as an author.And she’s doing all of this while stepping into another major chapter of her life: **motherhood**.🎙️ **In this episode, we talk about:**• How *Connected* went from a decade-old idea to a real novel• Writing an entire first draft in six weeks• Being a pantser instead of a plotter• Creating Raina and bringing Latina representation into fantasy• Alpha readers, writing groups, and revisions• The challenges of indie publishing• Book marketing and upcoming events• Balancing writing, publishing, and motherhood• Advice for aspiring authors preparing to publish their first bookIf you love **fantasy romance, indie authors, writing conversations, and discovering new books**, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👍 **Like the video**💬 **Leave a comment** and tell us what part of Jessica’s journey stood out to you.🔔 **Subscribe to Big J’s World** for more conversations with authors, creators, readers, and incredible people with stories worth sharing.And make sure to keep an eye out for Jessica Ruiz Villanueva’s upcoming fantasy romance, ***Connected***.#BigJsWorld #JessicaRuizVillanueva #Connected #FantasyRomance #IndieAuthor #AuthorInterview #BookTube #BookTok #FantasyBooks #RomanceBooks #WritingCommunity #DebutAuthor
Sep 4

Big J’s World Presents: Witch Hunt, Dying Magic, Dangerous Love & the Mind Behind It with Mia

Big J’s World Presents: Witch Hunt — Dying Magic, Dangerous Love & the Mind Behind ItWhat happens when vivid dreams turn into entire worlds?In this episode of **Big J’s World**, I sit down with author **Mia** to talk about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her books, and her upcoming romantasy novel, ***Witch Hunt***.Mia takes us inside the creative process that helped her go from imagining stories to becoming a published author. We talk about everything from strange dreams and scrapping thousands of words to complicated characters, fading magic, romance, and learning to trust the story you’re writing.📚 **Inside *Witch Hunt***Meet **Orla Hart**, a witch living in a world where magic is slowly dying. After discovering the king’s true plans, Orla runs away and finds herself paired with **Fitz Conrad**—the king’s illegitimate son and her very reluctant bodyguard.Their journey brings danger, secrets, betrayal, unexpected chemistry, and plenty of personality as Orla begins discovering that the world she thought she understood may not be what it seems.✨ **In this episode, we talk about:**• How Mia went from vivid dreams to published books• The unusual idea that inspired *Ravensinger*• How a dream became the foundation for *Witch Hunt*• Creating Orla and Fitz• Writing grumpy bodyguards and complicated relationships• What happens when magic begins disappearing• Scrapping and rewriting huge portions of a manuscript• Writing emotional characters and putting pieces of yourself on the page• Balancing darker themes with humor and romance• Why writing can sometimes feel like therapy• The challenges of drafting and trusting your creative process• What readers can expect when *Witch Hunt* arrivesMia also opens up about how personal writing can become.Authors aren't just creating fictional characters and imaginary worlds—they're often putting pieces of themselves onto the page and hoping those stories connect with someone who needs them.From **dying magic and dangerous secrets to romance, humor, and unforgettable characters**, this conversation is a look inside the wonderfully unpredictable mind of a fantasy author.📖 ***Witch Hunt* is currently expected to release in July 2027.**If you love **romantasy, fantasy romance, witches, magic, indie authors, book discussions, and behind-the-scenes writing conversations**, this episode is for you.👍 **Like the episode**💬 **Comment and tell us what part of *Witch Hunt* has you most intrigued**🔔 **Subscribe to Big J’s World for more conversations with authors, creators, readers, and fascinating people from every corner of the community.**
Aug 31

The Mind Behind Blood, Thorns and Shadows with Laura Marie

In this episode of Big J's World, we dive into the inspiring journey of Laura Marie, a talented author juggling her writing career with the demands of being a homeschool mom and an active church member. Laura's story is not just about writing; it's about resilience, creativity, and the unexpected paths life takes us on.The Enchanting Vine SeriesLaura's debut, the **Enchanting Vine series**, kicked off in March 2025 and has since blossomed into a compelling collection of stories. The series begins with Quinn Corless, a character whose seemingly perfect life unravels after an assassination attempt forces her to confront hidden truths about herself. "A woman mysteriously tries to kill her, and she has to discover quite a bit about herself." — Laura Marie The first two books, **Tangled in Thorns** and **Wilted in Shadows**, follow Quinn's tumultuous journey, while the upcoming release, **Caged in Blood**, focuses on Raven's brother Emmett and his love interest Niecy, Quinn’s friend.Balancing Life and WritingLaura's ability to write amidst her busy life is nothing short of remarkable. Despite being on "team no sleep," she manages to weave her experiences into her narratives. "I went to bed at like two o'clock in the morning... my internal alarm clock still went off at six thirty." — Laura Marie When asked about her passion for writing, Laura shared a deeply personal story of how trauma led her to pause her writing for 16 years. It was only after intense therapy that she felt ready to explore her creativity again.The Spark of InspirationLaura's inspiration struck unexpectedly during a social studies class she was teaching to homeschoolers. "I was standing up in front of these kids and all of a sudden this redhead pops into my head... her name is Quinn Corless." — Laura Marie This seemingly mundane moment ignited her writing journey, showcasing how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.Characters That ResonateWhen discussing her characters, Laura revealed her fondness for writing complex villains. "I actually love writing one of the villains... he has a honeyed way with words and just talks his way out of stuff." — Laura Marie The duality of her characters adds depth to her narrative, making them relatable while also keeping readers engaged.A Glimpse into MarketingThe conversation also touched on the challenges of marketing her work, which Laura describes as a second full-time job. "Once you write a story, it’s a whole full-time job of marketing after that." — Laura Marie Balancing creativity with the demands of promotion is a struggle many authors face, and Laura's candidness about her experience offers valuable insight into the life of a modern author.As we wrap up this insightful discussion, it’s clear that Laura Marie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her books promise to captivate readers and offer a glimpse into her imaginative world. For more on Laura's journey and to explore the **Enchanting Vine series**, be sure to check out the full episode!
Jun 26

Read Books, Be Kind, Stay Weird

In this episode, I am joined by the incredible Lex (aka @lexloveslit), a popular fantasy and dark romance creator from BookTok! We are diving deep into our reading journeys, breaking down our absolute favorite series, tackling the ultimate bookish debates, and giving you the perfect starter guide if you want to jump into the world of fantasy or dark romance. Whether you are a seasoned bookworm or just trying to get back into reading, this conversation is packed with amazing recommendations and a lot of laughs. Current Reads: Lex breaks down her current massive reading list, including Furybound, Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings, and her upcoming dive into Dungeon Crawler Carl. The Reading Slump Cure: How Fourth Wing brought Lex back to reading after a 15-year hiatus, and how Stephen King’s Fairy Tale hooked Big J. To DNF or Not to DNF?: Lex explains why she is simply too stubborn to ever drop a book—even when she's struggling through it. The Spine-Cracking Debate: Is cracking a book's spine a necessary evil for a 1,000-page chunker, or an absolute book crime? What is "Why Choose"?: Big J gets a much-needed lesson on polyamorous romance tropes. Hogwarts Sorting: Find out why Lex is a Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff hybrid while Big J proudly represents Slytherin. 📱 Connect with Our Guest! Follow Lex for amazing book reviews, book club info, and endless fantasy content: TikTok: @lexloveslit Instagram: @lexloveslit Fable Book Club: Search "Lex Loves Lit" on the Fable App! Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of Big J's World! Drop a comment below: Are you Team Crack-The-Spine or Team Keep-It-Pristine? 👇
Jun 23

Confessions of a Dark Romance Reader… 🖤

Step into the shadows with us in this episode of Confessions of a Dark Romance Reader… 🖤We’re diving deep into the world of dark romance—where love is intense, messy, and sometimes dangerously addictive. From the emotional highs to the uncomfortable truths, we’re talking about the real experience of reading these stories.✨ In this episode, we unpack:– The triggers in dark romance and how they impact readers– How to navigate stories that push emotional boundaries– The obsession with the dark male lead—why we love him, fear him, and can’t look awayThis is an honest, unfiltered conversation about the genre that keeps us hooked and questioning everything. If you’ve ever fallen for a morally gray character or found yourself emotionally wrecked after a book… this episode is for you.⚠️ Trigger warning: We discuss heavy themes common in dark romance.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into books, emotions, and everything in between.

10 Episodes

Welcome to Big J’s World. Hosted by Big J, we dive deep into BookTok energy, dark romance, the Star Trek Alien-verse, and indie author spotlights and everything in between. Join us for weekly deep dives, high-energy vibes, and unfiltered conversations.

Creator

Big J
Years Active

2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Big J
Show Website

Big J's World Podcast