Pantheon by Lacunae

 Summary Toni interviews author Amy Suto about Let Me Be Your Ghost, a genre-blending story combining romance, a spy thriller, and a murder mystery. They discuss the craft choices behind the book, from clue fairness and emotional investment to point of view, happy endings, and how readers’ tastes shape their responses. Romance reader and interviewer Toni talks with author Amy Suto about what makes romance resonate, how readers choose among its many subgenres, and the emotional realism behind fantasy stories. They also discuss Suto’s novel *Let Me Be Your Ghost*, its surveillance themes, writing decisions, and her other fiction and nonfiction books. The VC Andrew's books I mentioned are Flowers in the Attic series and they made them into a truly awful mini series.  https://www.amysuto.com/let-me-be-your-ghost  Substack  Sutoscience.com    [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com  

Summary Lacunae describes *Pantheon* as a romantic conspiracy thriller: former operative Cersei hides as Vivian Ho until businessman Damien Tang’s investigation draws attention to her. The novel uses close third person in the past tense, with each chapter following one character; Circe’s guarded feelings emerge through actions, while Damien is more emotionally explicit. Pantheon is a criminal organization, or “house,” inspired in part by the worldbuilding of *John Wick*, with operatives specializing in disguise, information, surveillance, and combat. Lacunae wanted Circe to make her own choices rather than be rescued; the identity of Vivienne Ho and Circe’s past losses shape her gradual search for who she wants to become. Damien’s family wants influence over his separate company and sees Vivienne’s logistics assets as a route to the port terminals they have sought to control. Toni and Lacunae discuss how the novel’s metaphorical prose, dense procedural details, and withheld explanations invite readers to assemble the story themselves. Lacunae draws on 11 years in video game design, including level design and worldbuilding, to create grounded settings and detailed systems for fiction. Lacunae says *Pantheon* book two is being edited and may release the following year; it is planned to be darker and reveal more of the organization’s operatives. Lacunae also discusses the *Perpetura* series, adapted from interactive fiction with five stories and branching romance routes. Lacunae Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacunaedesigns/ Studio site: https://lacunaedesigns.com Pantheon Website (with the free opening chapters): https://pantheon.lacunaedesigns.com Buy on Amazon (pre-order, out 1 November): https://pantheon.lacunaedesigns.com/buy This is the Pantheon playlist on Spotify, enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lA6QnCTGqQ1RfNxdRQ3uA?si=a2b8a4a0316b4deb   Perpetūra Website (Interactive Fiction): https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com Book One on Amazon: https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com/buy-one Book Two on Amazon: https://perpetura.lacunaedesigns.com/buy-two   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com

Stay with us till the end when we talk about indie publishing and small author supports. In this episode, author Samantha Anderson shares insights into her writing process, world-building, and the romance genre, including her favorite authors and series. Toni and Samantha discuss the importance of representation, genre conventions, and the challenges of writing and reading in the romance community. In this episode, Samantha Andersen shares her insights on writing, series development, and navigating the challenges of authoring in a small community. She discusses her series' structure, character development, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. In this episode, Samantha Andersen shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, discusses her writing process, and offers insights into the world of romance and fantasy genres. Toni and Samantha explore storytelling techniques, genre blending, and the importance of editing and beta readers. Sutra House  sutrahouse.com Samantha Andersen Substack https://substack.com/@samanthaandersenwrites Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/samanthaandersenwrites?dlrf=MWxjZWxlZzAwNHgycg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com

Summary In this episode, Toni discusses two books: 'Bound by the Alien Buckaroo' by Ursa Dax and 'A Lady for a Duke' by Alexis Hall. They explore themes of gender identity, historical context, and character development, offering insights into contemporary and historical romance genres.  keywords romance, LGBTQ+, historical fiction, gender identity, book review, Alexis Hall, Ursa Dax, character analysis, historical romance, transgender characters  key  topics Themes of gender identity in romance Character development in historical and sci-fi romance Representation of LGBTQ+ characters in literature Impact of historical context on character conflicts Analysis of specific character relationships and dynamics   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com      

In this episode I talk to author Sean Robins about the 1st book in his iAnomaly series, I am a Weapon about what it is like for protagonist and sentient robot Jack. We talk writing,  robots and OCD I hope you'll join us on this journey and know that though there were technical difficulties and tears we will persevere.   You can email the show at [email protected]    Thanks to Jacob the horse for the use of their music for our theme.

 key  topics Fantasy elements in romance novels Character dynamics and size differences Portrayal of kidnapping and escape in fiction World-building without bogging down in details Series development and storytelling pacing Morality and crime in romance stories Dark romance themes and triggers Character perspective and emotional depth   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com      

 summary In this episode, Sinclair Sting and Toni talk about the romance for men sub genre, while exploring the nuances of romance genres, character perspectives, and the influence of anime and fantasy tropes on storytelling. They discuss their favorite themes, character development, and the importance of emotional depth in romance novels. In this episode, Sinclair Sting and Toni explore the nuances of first-person narration, character perspectives, and world-building in fantasy and romance genres. They discuss their preferences, writing choices, and the impact on reader engagement, sharing insights into their creative processes and genre trends. Get Goblin Stepsister Obsession at https://afterrealms.com/shop/   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com    

 summary Toni shares her recent reading adventures, including reviews of free book giveaways, series opinions, and upcoming releases in the romance and sci-fi genres. She discusses her favorites, disappointments, and plans for future reads, offering insights for fellow book lovers. Opinions on Exiles on Earth by Bea Tama, Against a Wall by Cate C wells and Accidental Fearless by Sapphire Dixon.   [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com    

 key  topics Books with disabled or scarred heroes Themes of ugliness and acceptance in romance Specific book reviews: The Duchess Deal, Trust Me, Wila's Beast Discussion of characters' physical scars and emotional depth Recommendations for alien and fantasy romances [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com      

 summary Ok so this one got away from me, in this episode, I talk to Matthew Martin. We explore the nuances of writing, the impact of AI, and the fascinating behaviors of animals, all while sharing personal stories and insights into creativity and communication. We touch on the  world of space elevators, AI ethics, the future of publishing, and the social impact of technology. Join us as we delve into scientific possibilities, societal challenges, and the importance of preserving knowledge. This interview was a lot but I really enjoyed it and I hope you will too.  keywords writing, AI, romance novels, poetry, animal behavior, creativity, communication, storytelling, authorship, mental models, space elevator, AI ethics, publishing, technology, society, science fiction, space travel, digital media, knowledge preservation. online identity, social media, writing, genre, privacy, book recommendations, podcasting, author interviews  guest  name Matthew Martin  [email protected] @chemangel.bsky.social Or Join the discords we are always looking to talk books, whether it's writing, editing or just swapping recommendations we are always looking to meet new people. https://discord.gg/DRZe3kqNKT   Many thanks to Jacob the horse for allowing us to sample their amazing song Sunshine for our theme music. You can get Jacob the Horse's music at BandCamp.com