Spread Your Wingspan

The Primal of Blood and Bone

Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Sara and Jennie dive deep into the latest installment of the Blood and Ash series, 'The Primal of Blood and Bone.' They discuss character arcs, plot developments, and the themes of love, obsession, and the complexities of relationships. The conversation also touches on the reactions from fans, the writing style of the author, and predictions as the series wraps up. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, the hosts explore the intricacies of the story and its characters, making for an engaging discussion for fans of the series. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 02:55 - Character Development and Emotional Impact 08:47 - Themes and Symbolism 14:54 - Climactic Moments and Revelations 30:45 - The Weight of Leadership and Responsibility 36:04 - Character Dynamics and Relationships 42:33 - The Complexity of Ascension and Addiction 53:28 - Reader Reactions and Authorial Choices 01:05:10 - Looking Ahead: Future Themes and Representation 01:06:36 - Outro

Interview: J.M. Frey

Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Sara and Jennie chat with Canadian author J.M. Frey about her latest book, 'Nine Tenths.' They explore the inspiration behind the story, the themes of grief and colonialism, and the representation of mental health in characters. J.M. shares her writing journey, the significance of her characters, and the importance of research in crafting her narrative. The conversation delves into the meta-narrative techniques used in the book, the exploration of love and fear in relationships, and the social commentary on ethical wealth. J.M. also discusses her writing process and rituals, concluding with her hopes for readers to take away courage and kindness from her work. You can find J.M. Frey at her website: jmfrey.net [http://jmfrey.net]and @j.m.frey on Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, & Threads   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to J.M. Frye and Nine Tenths 03:05 - The Journey of Self-Publishing 06:21 - Inspiration Behind Nine Tenths 09:15 - Exploring Themes of Grief and Colonialism 12:02 - Character Development and Personal Experiences 15:22 - Meta Storytelling and Writing Process 18:15 - Research and Historical Context 21:06 - Anxiety Representation in Fiction 24:01 - Romance and Speculative Fiction 31:08 - Navigating Grief and Love 33:02 - Character Development and Relationships 34:49 - Exploring Dark Themes in Fantasy 36:39 - The Role of Fantasy in Society 38:57 - Ethical Wealth and Responsibility 43:14 - The Creative Process and Writing Rituals 52:05 - The Intersection of Science and Fantasy 56:48 - Courage in the Face of Fear 01:00:51 - Outro

Nine Tenths by J.M. Frey

Summary In this episode, Jennie and Sara discuss the book 'Nine Tenths' by J.M. Frey. They explore the themes of wealth inequality, the complexities of relationships, and the representation of anxiety and bisexuality within the narrative. The conversation also touches on the world-building aspects of the story, including its historical context and cultural commentary. The hosts share their personal reflections on the characters and the dynamics of their relationships, ultimately providing a rating for the book and expressing excitement for the upcoming author interview.   Content Warnings accidental injury between domestic partners, enslavement, loss of parent   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Excitement for the Interview 04:38 - Themes Explored in the Book 09:48 - Historical Context and Cultural Commentary 17:39 - Spice Rating and Relationship Dynamics 39:56 - Outro

Born of Blood and Ash

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the fourth and final book in the Flesh and Fire series, 'Born of Blood and Ash.' They explore its complex themes, including trauma, leadership, and the balance between fate and free will. The conversation delves into character development, romantic dynamics, and the implications of parenthood in a chaotic world. The hosts also express their excitement for future installments in this literary universe and reflect on the impact of page length on storytelling.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 - Content Warnings and Themes of the Book 02:40 - Summary of 'Born of Blood and Ash' 06:23 - Character Development and Relationships 10:40 - Exploring Leadership and Decision-Making 14:19 - The Role of Fate and Free Will 18:39 - Reflections on Writing and Page Length 22:30 - Pregnancy and Its Implications in the Story 26:37 - Final Thoughts and Future Expectations 35:11 - Outro

A Fire in the Flesh

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Sarah delve into the third book of the Flesh and Fire series, discussing its themes, character arcs, and the complexities of morality and monstrosity. They discuss the development of the protagonist Sera, and the intricate dynamics of villainy and heroism. The episode also touches on the portrayal of romantic relationships and the pacing of the narrative. Overall, the conversation highlights the depth of the characters and the writing style, while setting the stage for the last installment in the series. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting 05:34 - Character Development and Themes of Monstrosity 14:22 - Character Dynamics and Relationships 21:31 - Empathy and Human Experience 28:01 - Exploring Consent and Trauma in Romance 34:05 - The Journey of Healing and Recovery 39:11 - Romance and the Gray Areas of Consent 47:03 - Outro