Meagan's Book Club Podcast

This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with Elisha Zepeda, a talented book cover designer whose work you’ve probably admired without even realizing it. We dive into the creative process behind designing a cover—from those first sparks of inspiration to the many behind-the-scenes steps it takes to get a book from concept to print. It was such a fascinating conversation about the art, strategy, and storytelling that go into a single cover, and you’ll never look at your bookshelf the same way again.

Go follow Elisha! @ez.bookdesign
https://www.elishazepeda.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by author Sara Maurer to talk about her debut novel, A Good Animal, and her journey to becoming a published author. We chat about what inspired the book, what it was like writing and publishing her first novel, and the rural farming community that shapes the story.
Set outside Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, A Good Animal explores first love, ambition, and the pull between staying and leaving—and how one choice can ripple through a community. Sara shares insight into the people, places, and experiences that influenced the novel, and it was such a joy getting to learn more about her background and creative process.
This was a thoughtful, grounded conversation about writing, place, and the quiet power of rural life—and I think you’ll really love it.

Website: https://www.saramaurerwrites.com/
IG: @saramaurerwrites

Back with another fun "What I'm Loving" episode to share with you all the things I've been thinking about lately. Personal battles, fun finds, real life struggles, and of course what I'm currently reading. The line up of categories is below. Thanks for listening!
1. What I'm Loving
2. What I'm Watching
3. What I'm Reading
4. What I'm Cooking
5. What I'm Doing More Of
6. What I'm Buying
7. What I'm Looking Forward To

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by instant New York Times bestselling author Catherine Newman! Her novel Sandwich was a standout sensation and we were all overjoyed to see the continuation of the story in her latest, Wreck. Catherine has been writing for many years, and it was such a joy to finally connect and talk all things craft—her signature authentic tone, the way she creates deeply human characters, and why relationships and their dynamics are always at the heart of her stories. This conversation felt like catching up with an old friend, and I loved hearing her reflections on writing, connection, and what keeps her inspired. I can’t wait to see what she does next—and I think you’re going to love this episode.

Website: https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/

I had the best time chatting with Danielle (@foreverbookedup) — we’ve been book friends for years, so this conversation felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend. We talked about how our reading lives have changed, the joy (and nerves!) of starting something new, and her journey launching a mobile bookstore last year.
One of my favorite parts was hearing about the community she’s built in her area through hosting book events — the kind that bring readers together and make books feel like a shared experience, not just a solitary one. It was such a warm, thoughtful, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Danielle's IG: @foreverbookedup
Mobile Bookstore: @rollingchapters

The book Danielle recommended: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett