In Bed With Books Melissa

In this episode of In Bed With Books, I’m joined by author Mai Corland to talk about her upcoming book release, Five Broken Blades, transitioning from Children’s lit to adult fantasy, and the craft behind creating the world in her book. Please note: This is a spoiler free discussion, as the book has not been released at the time of this episode’s premiere.
We discuss Mai’s early introduction to books before diving into a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, revealing how she defined distinct voices for each character and navigated the complexities of multiple points of view. We explore the themes of power, identity, and sacrifice present in Five Broken Blades, as well as the influences of real history and cultural diversity on the fictional world she has created.
From childhood memories of sneaking forbidden books to advice for writers, Mai was a stellar guest to have on the podcast. You can find Five Broken Blades on bookshelves May 7th, 2024.
If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me and my long-time friend Kristin for the second part of our chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on our TBR's.
We're talking about why I haven't read Fourth Wing yet (while Kristin continues to try and convince me), the issue with series that go on for too long, and some of our broader requirements for really enjoying fantasy reads.
This is part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks.
If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!
Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join my friend Michael and me for a conversation about the necessity of fantasy, fiction, and the simple act of play, whether that's through fantasy and romance books or tabletop games, like D&D.
This conversation started in response to his recent academic paper where Michael defends play, and fantasy, as a way to create meaning, reflect, and to simply take the edge off. Through the episode, we use books, games, and community to defend the human need to simply have fun.
WARNING: The episode starts in the middle of us talking about the recent documentary, Quiet on Set. If you're sensitive to the subject matter of that documentary, then I recommend skipping to the 3 minute, 8 second mark.
If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!
Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 72, I'm reviewing some of my recent reads over the last few months! If you want to read more fleshed out versions of these reviews, then find me on Goodreads or Storygraph!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/86407489-melissa
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/melissa_rose
Books discussed:
The Scarlet Veil by Shelby MahurinChalice of the Gods by Rick RiordanSanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora AscherThe Ex Hex & The Kiss Curse by Erin SterlingEvery Which Way but Dead by Kim HarrisonHouse of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J MaasFragile Threads of Power by VE SchwabIf you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!
Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me and my long-time friend Kristin in my living room for a bookish chat! We grabbed some cheese and wine, and caught up on what we're currently reading.
We talked about Kristin's (not-so) scathing GoodReads reviews, her love of Emily Henry, and whether she actually knows who Jessica Biel is. And the episode wouldn't be complete without me bringing up vampires! Thank you, Shelby Mahurin and The Scarlet Veil.
This is just part of a longer conversation. You can catch the rest of it in the coming weeks.
If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!
Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com

Join me for another episode of In Bed With Books! Today we're chatting with the author of Sanctuary of the Shadow, Aurora Ascher. We talk about different inspirations for the book, her writing rituals, the women-led reimagining of the publishing process, and a little hint about the sequel. (shh!)
Sanctuary of the Shadow was release on January 9th, 2024 through Red Tower Books. You can find out more about the books and Ascher on her website: https://auroraascher.com/

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!
Where else to find me:
IG: @inbedwithbookspod
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod
EM: inbedwithbookspodcast@gmail.com