Episode 51 - And So What We Have Learned

Does K-Pop Demon Hunters contain the best villain song ever? Is writing for a particular audience important? Why would Karlissa call Spy x Family an allegory? Jason and Karlissa reflect on what they’ve learned about writing this year and discuss stories they’ve been enjoying.

Note: the director of K-Pop Demon Hunters is Maggie Kang (along with Chris Appelhans)

To all our listeners: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank you for joining us for the third year of the Book-Bat podcast! Subscribe to the Book-Bat newsletter by visiting our website, book-bat.com, to get reminders of new episodes and updates on book releases!

Episode 50 - To Narnia and Beyond

Karlissa J’s latest book, To Narnia and Beyond, comes out next year! In this episode, she talks about the inspiration behind the book, her research process, and how she hopes readers will be inspired to pick up more classic works of fantasy!

To Narnia and Beyond explores the fantasy novels of George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle.

More about To Narnia and Beyond: book-bat.com/nonfiction

Publisher’s website: siretona.com

Preordering and Release: To Narnia and Beyond will be released in 2026; stay tuned to hear when it becomes available for preorder!

Episode 39 – The End… Why Does It Mean So Much?

Jason takes over to ask the question: why does the way a story ends matter so much to us? Are we being fair by judging the story by its ending? Or do we miss out on the journey by emphasizing the end? Karlissa and Jason give some insights into their own writing process, explore thoughts on genre, and reflect on what they read growing up.

Spoilers for Treasure Planet (Disney)!

Episode 20 - An Interview with... Karlissa J!

We have invited an author onto our show for the first time – not really – to do an author interview! Karlissa J talks about her books, her inspiration, and the life experiences that have shaped her as an author.

Karlissa is currently reading: “On Stories” by CS Lewis (hence her multiple CS Lewis references).

Further notes: the Blackhawks won.