Kissing Books Critique

Jenna McCall, Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

Your place for step-by-step editing of our work, line by line in some cases, big picture in others. We talk about what works and what doesn't, from adverbs and passive voice to deep POV and character motivation, we cover it all, in context, in action. Hosts: Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder and Jenna McCall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 10/30/2025

    Getting Wet for the Wrong Reasons (A Positioning Problem)

    Vicki's brought us a deliciously wet romance meet-cute that's got positioning issues—and we're not talking about the steamy kind. Between crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and one mysterious Frenchman who's definitely giving Aquaman vibes, we're drowning in "eyes running over" problems and romance characters who can't figure out if they're horizontal or vertical. Expect passionate manuscript critique debates about shaky breaths that come out "harder than expected" (phrasing, Vicki!), why you can't "remember" someone's voice from thirty seconds ago, and the eternal romance writing question: when throat gravel makes your pulse dance, do you really need to tell us it's "making" it happen? Come for the French rescue fantasy, stay for three indie romance authors collectively losing it over vague writing. Warning: contains therapeutic wine, deadline panic, and multiple instances of "that's not specific enough, darling." Kissing Books Critique: Where indie romance authors get real-time manuscript feedback with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  2. 09/04/2025

    Rough Hands and Slippery Decks

    Romance writing craft meets underwater chaos in this manuscript critique session for indie authors and aspiring romance writers. Vicki's chapter delivers a delicious meet-cute scene, but we're diving deep into writing craft fundamentals: scene logistics, character movement, dialogue formatting, and point of view techniques that every romance author needs to master. Learn essential writing skills as we tackle common manuscript problems: personified descriptions that don't work, repetitive word choices (goodbye "shoved" and "tightened eyes"), setting clarity issues, and dialogue mechanics. Perfect for new writers struggling with line editing, experienced authors facing developmental editing challenges, and anyone working on romance novel manuscripts or contemporary fiction. Our live critique covers romance genre conventions, reader expectations, indie publishing standards, and traditional publishing craft requirements. From underwater scene choreography to tattoo descriptions that build sexual tension, we're breaking down the technical writing elements that separate amateur manuscripts from professional romance novels. Essential topics for writers: POV consistency, character description techniques, environmental storytelling, romance trope execution, editing process management, and overcoming writer's block. Plus practical advice on manuscript submission processes, beta reader feedback, and meeting publishing deadlines while maintaining craft quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  3. 08/21/2025

    Hockey Romance Breakthroughs

    We're deep in hockey romance territory this week as the group tackles a submission featuring contract clauses, curse words in French Canadian, and one very good dog named Clyde who's clearly the real star of this critique session. From the mysterious "Clause 53B" (which we're definitely stealing for our own books) to the eternal struggle of making characters move through scenes without sounding like robots, this episode has everything: pen-twirling coaches, emotional family baggage, and the age-old question of when dialogue tags help versus when they just get in the way. Expect passionate debates about the phrase "coach's assumption," why "I cut through the air with one hand, sharp" needs more context (and definitely shouldn't involve jerking motions), and the fine art of the rule of three when your character is having an emotional breakdown. Plus: the ongoing battle against overused words, why Etienne needs to put down that pen for dramatic effect, and how Clyde the dog is basically providing masterclass-level scene direction just by existing. Come for the hockey drama, stay for the group's collective obsession with making every sentence earn its place on the page. Fair warning: contains multiple references to masturbation concerns, French Canadian authenticity checks, and at least one moment where we all get distracted by a very good boy who might deserve a cookie. Kissing Books Critique is the podcast where indie romance authors get real-time manuscript feedback from fellow writers who know the genre inside and out. Whether you're struggling with enemies-to-lovers dynamics, trying to nail authentic dialogue, or wondering why your editor keeps flagging the same issues, our live critique sessions break down romance writing craft with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Perfect for new romance writers, indie authors seeking community, and anyone who wants to improve their writing while laughing at the beautiful disasters we all create on the page. Join our group of romance authors as we lovingly dissect submissions, celebrate breakthrough moments, and prove that the best writing advice comes from writers who've been exactly where you are now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  4. 07/31/2025

    Hampus Gets Called to the Principal's Office

    This week, the team dives into Jenna's hockey romance featuring Hampus, a troubled player facing ultimatums from team management. Listen as three romance authors dissect a tense office scene, debate whether dogs can "chuff" (spoiler: they can), and provide 742 comments on character development, setting details, and the fine art of writing close POV. Plus: Why yellow highlighting means love, the proper way to describe pen-flipping, and a heated discussion about furniture descriptions that gets surprisingly deep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  5. 07/17/2025

    Resting Brood Face Syndrome

    We're deep in Resting Brood Face territory this week as Vicki's Catching Trouble continues with Maxime's chapter two, where our grumpy hero discovers that scowling at customers might not be the best business strategy. From "wild, untamed Poseidon king" energy (our first yellow highlight!) to the eternal struggle of whether your protagonist wants to "please them or poison them," we're unpacking what happens when your brooding MMC needs an attitude adjustment. Expect fierce opinions on missing paragraph breaks that leave us guessing who's speaking, the fine art of making your hero's stakes crystal clear without getting vague and foreshadowy, and why "I'm not changing meat suppliers" might be the funniest defensive response we've heard all year. There's also a heated sidebar on French beach club terminology (spoiler: it's not what you think), spatial confusion that had us wondering if characters were teleporting across tables, and the ongoing mystery of when exactly coffee became an evening beverage. Come for the business advice critique, stay for the collective realization that sometimes your chapter just needs more work—and that's perfectly okay because we're all here to help you polish that diamond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m

  6. 07/03/2025

    Stop Harassing My Wife (and Other Logistics Fails)

    We’re deep in scene logistics, missing windows, and rogue dental appointments this week as Heather's submission hits the group chat. From personified smiles to hallway entrances that don’t quite make sense, we’re unpacking character movement, setting gaps, and what it really means to widen your stance (and direct it at a human, not a desk). Expect fierce opinions on all-caps dialogue, the eternal “shoved” dilemma, and why your editor should absolutely be flagging things that would never fly in a trad pub line edit. There’s also a heated sidebar on proper abbreviation punctuation, a cameo by Joel’s shorts (we missed them), and the collective unraveling that happens when someone’s on mute too long. Is it personification or poetic license? Do we hate this line or love it enough to keep it? And how many times can one character say “damn” before it becomes a drinking game? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  7. 06/19/2025

    Mistakes Were Made. Horses Were Spotted.

    In this episode of Kissing Books Critique, we dive headfirst into Vicki’s brand-new first chapter, an angsty, small-town cowboy romance inspired by a classic '90s country hit. From navigating car logistics (who’s driving again?) to unpacking the emotional weight of fictional towns and old flames, we’re tackling it all with our usual blend of craft, chaos, and cackling. We discuss grounding your reader, writing character-specific setting, and how your past (and your ex) might just inspire your bestseller. Come for the critique, stay for the snort-laughs and made-up men who hit differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  8. 06/04/2025

    Critique and Ice Cream Cliffs: Chloe’s Chapter Takes the Stage

    We’re back in action, and this time it’s Vicki’s turn in the hot seat! Join us as we dive into the second half of Chapter One from the final book in her globe-trotting, language-blending trilogy. This one stars Chloe. Former sidekick, current leading lady, and the kind of character we all want to grab drinks with. We dig into voice, visual clarity, and the magic of reading your work aloud (even if it makes you cringe a little). Expect sprinkles of craft talk, ice cream metaphors, and our usual blend of honest critique and uncontrollable giggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
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About

Your place for step-by-step editing of our work, line by line in some cases, big picture in others. We talk about what works and what doesn't, from adverbs and passive voice to deep POV and character motivation, we cover it all, in context, in action. Hosts: Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder and Jenna McCall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenna McCall, Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jenna McCall, Vicki Hilton, Heather Ryder
  • Show Website
    Kissing Books Critique