Stories to Love

Tif Marcelo
  • 4.7 (10)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast produced and hosted by USA Today bestselling author Tif Marcelo featuring authors and creators, their books and products, and how they are inspired and motivated everyday.

  1. APR 3

    99. K.L. Walther - We're a Bad Idea, Right? and having a lot to say

    Today’s guest is author K.L. Walther! K.L. Walther is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules, While We’re Young, and A First Time for Everything among others. Born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she is happiest when reading a romance on the beach or bantering with her better half while waiting in line for ice cream. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and golden retriever.  In this episode we discussed her most recent release, WE’RE A BAD IDEA, RIGHT?, which published just a few days ago, which is inspired by the 80’s classic Risky Business. Our conversation took us to glass blowing, and Airb&b’s and ventured into publishing topics like her upcoming 2 book per year schedule, our appreciation for Stephanie Perkins, and how she writes long drafts. And more! We covered a lot in this episode Links discussed: Katilyn Hill : Ancient History Between Us Becky Dean: Hearts Overboard Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    33 min

  2. FEB 17

    98. Mansi Shah - Saving Face, and accidentally finding inspiration

    We're here with Mansi Shah! Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of Saving Face, A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. This is the second time that Mansi has been on the podcast, and what a great conversation. We talked about her most recent release, Saving Face, and how she came upon the story and inspiration by accident. We talk about why she calls herself a research nerd, how the ending of this book was an example of where life imitates art. We touch on the topic of authenticity in her books and talked a lot about rest. Books discussed: The Dream Hotel Standstill Memoir *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    50 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    97. Elle Gonzalez Rose - Marisol Acts the Part and honesty in storytelling

    Episode 97's guest is author Elle Gonzalez Rose. Elle Gonzalez Rose is an author from New York who’s better at writing love stories about short, queer, Latines than she is at writing bios. Her dog thinks she’s okay. She is the author of Caught in a Bad Fauxmance, 10 Things I Hate About Prom, The Girl You Know, and Marisol Acts the Part. Elle, not the dog. In this episode Elle and I discussed Marisol Acts the Part, her most recent YA romcom. With that, we talked about how she challenged herself while writing this book. We touched on her career writing for film/tv, the parasocial relationships between film and TV actors and fans, and writing thriller alongside romance. Links in this episode: Legally Blonde, the film Dawson's Creek, the tv series Truth Is by Hannah Sawyerr The Carbon Footprint *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    40 min

  4. 07/23/2025

    96. Mia P. Manansala - Death in the Cards and that one writing class

    Episode 96 is mystery and thriller author Mia P. Manansala. Mia P. Manansala (she/her) is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. Her debut, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness, hit the ABA Indie Bestseller List, and has won multiple awards. A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrasti-baking, playing RPGs and otome games, reading cozy mysteries and diverse romance, and gazing lovingly at her dog Gumiho. In this episode we discussed Death in the Cards, her first young adult book and her move into writing for teens. With that, we talked about the difference in how she writes her teen versus her adult protagonist. We also touched on her use of tarot in the novel, and how one class and one teacher guided her to writing mystery. Links discussed: Their Just Desserts by Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow Dead & Breakfast  by Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor Princess and the PI by Nikki Payne *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    42 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    95. Jenni L. Walsh - Ace, Marvel, Spy and writing trailblazing women

    Episode 95's guest is author Jenni L. Walsh.  Jenni L. Walsh is a USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud member of the Tall Poppy writers, a graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.  For adults, Jenni has written historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel, Spy. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, Operation: Happy, and The Bug Bandits. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media. It this episode we discussed her historical fiction novel, Ace, Marvel, Spy and the reason why she wanted to write about Alice Marble. We talked about her research for this novel, what she loved most about her protagonist. Finally she shared her journey to writing in different age categories. I want to thank all of who have subscribed to this podcast! If you haven’t, I’d love it if you’d click to follow so you can get notifications of every new episode. And, if have found this podcast helpful and fun, please leave a rating and review—it really helps to boost discoverability. You can even share this episode with a friend.  Links discussed: A Girl and Her Five Brave Horses Joy Callaway *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    34 min

  6. 05/01/2025

    94. Stefany Valentine - First Love Language and life imitating art

    Episode 94's guest is author Stefany Valentine. Stefany Valentine is an emerging young adult author. Her first publication is featured in the adoptee anthology, When We Became Ours, and her sophomore title, Love Makes Mochi, is expected to release with Joy Revolution in 2026. Follow her for updates on TikTok, Instagram, and X @BooksByStefany and on her website, stefanyvalentine.wordpress.com. In this episode we discussed her debut novel First Love Language, the significance of its title and its connection to The Five Love Languages. We talked about the nuance of language and how it relates to identity. And finally, how life imitated art and vice versa.  This was such a lovely episode, where Stefany was vulnerable in sharing her adoptee experience, and which I feel shines in her novel. I know you’re going to enjoy it. I want to thank all of who have subscribed to this podcast! If you haven’t, I’d love it if you’d click to follow so you can get notifications of every new episode. And, if have found this podcast helpful and fun, please leave a rating and review—it really helps to boost discoverability. You can even share this episode with a friend.  For more information about me, Tif, and submitting to the podcast, please head on to my website, at TifMarcelo.com Other links discussed: There Goes the Neighborhood - Jade Aria The Broposal by Sonora Reyes Marsha Mickelson -  Where I Belong *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    42 min

  7. 03/28/2025

    93. Thien-Kim Lam - Something Cheeky, and the path she was meant to follow

    Episode 93's guest is author Thien-Kim Lam. Thien-Kim Lam writes stories about Vietnamese characters who smash stereotypes and find their happy endings. A recovering Type-Asian, she guzzles cà phê sữa đá, makes art, and bakes her feelings to stay sane. Her debut book Happy Endings was a Washington Post Romance Novel of the Year. Her Mardi Gras romance Full Exposure is a love letter to her Vietnamese community in Louisiana. Thien-Kim also coaches writers of color and is an EDSE certified sex educator and the founder of Bawdy Bookworms, a subscription box that pairs sexy romances with erotic toys. She’s been featured on Jezebel, Bustle, Entertainment Weekly, and Oprah Daily. In this episode we chatted about her most recent novel, Something Cheeky. I gushed that she was able to pack both love and social issues in her book. She talked about her varied creative background and how it contributes to the writing And, we had a frank conversation about the pressure of marginalized groups in non-representative careers. Links discussed: Taj McCoy : Zora Books her Happily Ever After Piper J Drake: Wings Once Cursed and Bound *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    33 min

  8. 03/11/2025

    92. J'Nell Ciesielski - The Winged Tiara, and her love of history and research

    Episode 92 is author J’Nell Ciesielski. Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com. In this episode we discussed how THE WINGED TIARA was a pivot to a fun project. We talked about the ways she delved into the emotional baggage and backstory of her characters and how old movies help with crafting dialogue. Finally, we touched on how she decided to write in certain time periods.   Links discussed: Yellowface RF Kuang Foxglove by Adeline Grace The Starlets by Jennifer Thorne and Lee Kelly *** Current release: THEIR SECOND FIRST DATE Note: some links are affiliate links Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com Please check out her website for podcast submissions

    29 min
See All (99)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

A podcast produced and hosted by USA Today bestselling author Tif Marcelo featuring authors and creators, their books and products, and how they are inspired and motivated everyday.

Information

  • Creator
    Tif Marcelo
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stories to Love
  • Show Website
    Stories to Love