Unlock New Worlds: Celebrating National Reading New Book Month — J.F Monroe | Ep 11

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring real human emotion into your fantasy writing—or you’re looking for fresh ideas on how to connect with your readers—this episode is for you. I sit down with J.F. Monroe, author of the Legacy of the Four trilogy, to talk about flipping familiar fantasy tropes, why flawed heroes leave a lasting impression, and how a deep love for movies influences her storytelling style. You’ll hear some candid stories about self-doubt, the surprises and challenges of indie publishing, and the unexpected realities of book marketing. 

Listeners who are fellow writers or podcasters will walk away with two big takeaways: practical ways to create more relatable characters even in wildly imaginative settings, and mindful advice for overcoming creative doubt—especially at those vulnerable moments of sharing your work with the world. We also have some thoughtful book recommendations from J.F. that’ll inspire your next read. Tune in to remind yourself why stories matter—and how you can tell yours, too.

Connect with J.F Monroe

Website: https://www.jfmonroebookshelf.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.monroe/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-f-monroe/

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
00:42 Inspiration Behind Legacy of the Four
02:42 Exploring Genres Before Publishing
03:39 Bringing Human Connection Into Fantasy
05:09 Creating Morally Complex Characters
07:26 Writing Relatable and Messy Reunions
09:13 Cinematic Storytelling Influences
11:47 Christopher Nolan’s Impact and Favorites
12:47 Biggest Writing Challenges and Marketing
15:46 Navigating Self-Doubt in Creativity
17:44 Book Recommendations Outside Fantasy
19:36 What J.F. Hopes Readers Take Away
20:36 Where to Find J.F. Monroe
21:18 Lightning Round: Favorites and Advice
24:08 The Impact of Reader Feedback
25:00 Why Stories Matter