A.J. Hackwith on Fantasy, Fan Fic, and More

Today on the podcast, meet A.J. Hackwith, author of Goblin Market–and more! Elle and A.J. talk about telling familiar stories from new angles, trusting your inspiration, and of course, the fun of goblins. Enjoy! A.J.’s Bio: A.J. (she/they) is a magpie of ink stains, dicey ideas, and spite. She is a queer speculative fiction writer and the author of a number of novels, including the acclaimed Hell’s Library fantasy series, Toto, and Goblin Market. Her writing has appeared in Uncanny Magazine and various anthologies, and she's an alumni of Viable Paradise workshop. She's represented by Caitlin McDonald of Donald Maass Literary Agency. A.J. lives in the deep woods just outside of Portland, OR with her husband, her hounds, and her ghosts. Rumor has it that she can be summoned by a circle of fancy dice, pink starbursts, and rusted keys. Find A.J. and Her Books Online: https://ajhackwith.com/ ~~~ Elle’s Bio: Elle writes the award-winning Alchemical Tales series, a blend of cozy mystery and cozy fantasy. She has also published spin-off series including Pomegranate Cafe Romance and Marine Magic, as well as numerous short mysteries in anthologies. When not writing, Elle is an active member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. As a historian and educator, she believes in the value of stories as a mirror for complicated realities. She currently lives in New Jersey with a grumpy tortoise and a three-legged cat. Find free stories and more at ellehartford.com, and back episodes of Cozy Alchemy at ellehartford.substack.com. And if you love hearing personal stories from these authors, consider becoming a paid subscriber to Cozy Alchemy on Substack, where short bonus episodes of lightning round questions get shared every week!