Sometimes “cozy” sneaks up on you. A book about war mages? Comforting. A gentle fantasy romance? Overstimulating. Go figure.

In this episode, I’m unpacking my latest reading round-up and diving into how we find comfort in stories that weren’t built to be cozy—and what that says about our brains, habits, and creative needs.

Plus, I’m talking books. Because books are fun.

👉 Inside this episode:

* What makes a book feel cozy even when it isn’t labeled that way

* How personal context changes what seems relaxing

* Why “comfort reads” can look different for every reader

This episode of Author Culture is cozy meets chaos, with plenty of book chat in between.Want more fun author help? Check out my website: https://jiauthor.com/

This quarter has been A LOT. From releasing The Veracin Blade during a whirlwind season with my mother-in-law’s health challenges, to finding ways to keep writing even when life felt upside down, I’m unpacking it all. Plus, I share how dictation helped me power through a tough project (Frogs at Noontide), and why sharing your book consistently—without apology—matters more than you think. Stick around for a special treat: a live read-aloud from my latest release!

What happens when K-Pop stardom meets supernatural & urban fantasy action? A spectacularly fun move that works even when it “shouldn’t.” In this episode, Janeen Ippolito and special guest R.J. Metcalf unpack K-Pop Demon Hunters and what it can teach us about storytelling. From genre-bending fun to powerful character arcs, this movie is a case study in how mashups can draw in a wider audience, the potency of character arcs, and why

👉 Inside this episode:

* When open-ended world building actually offers more engagement (and endless YouTube theories about what it really means)

* How cultural perspectives shape reception

* Why authors shouldn’t shy away from complex themes

* The role of character arcs in fan investment

Prefer to read? Click the transcript button on the Substack page - you can read straight through or use the transcript to skip around on the video.

Author Culture is a reader-supported podcast offering thoughtful takes, sustainable author tips, and fandom joy to authors everywhere. To receive new posts and support my work, become a free or paid subscriber.