Podcast Profile
LiveWriters chats with Jenn Northington of
Book Riot's "Get Booked"
Photo credit Swapna Krishna
Q: Get Booked is pretty huge. How has the show evolved over time? What motivated those changes or additions?
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A: The show has actually changed very little since Amanda started it, now that I think about it! It did take a little while to build up questions, but we've had no shortage for some years now; in fact, I think it's safe to declare that we'll never be able to answer every one we've gotten. (Sorry, y'all!) Amanda and I do occasionally record themed shows that aren't specific-question based (for instance, the February 25th "Cozy Show") when we notice we're getting lots of repeats around a particular topic, or if there's a theme that seems timely related to what's going on in the book world. And we'll have guests from time to time, usually based on when one or the other of us is traveling. But otherwise, it's what it says on the tin!
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Q: Lots of podcast-hopefuls weigh the decision to have a cohost or to go it alone. What are the advantages of podcasting as a pair?
A: All of our main shows at Book Riot are paired, and there's a reason for that; it's extremely hard to do anything longer than a few minutes solo and maintain energy and interest! Having someone to bounce ideas off of, interact with, get differing opinions, you get the idea--it makes a world of difference. At least for me, The Handsells are as long as I can go without a cohost and feel like I'm tired of hearing myself talk, much less what listeners are interested in, and those generally aren't more than five or so minutes. Plus, I genuinely love hearing about Amanda's picks (and her dog, Petunia forever).
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Q: What elements of each book do you consider before you recommend it? What characteristics does a book have to have to make the cut?
A: Well, that all depends on the question! Sometimes people are looking for very specific plot elements, or genres, or atmosphere, or character types, or combinations of those things. I do my best to match as many as possible, although longtime listeners will know I sometimes go off-the-rails when I get focused on a particular aspect of a question. And at least for me, I don't have to personally love a book to recommend it; I just need to believe it will work for the person looking for the recommendation. That doesn't mean anything goes; we have pretty enshrined values here at Book Riot around social justice, intersectional feminism, and promoting marginalized voices. And there are more than enough books to pick from!
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